An Artist of Many Avenues Over the years, Hicks has taken his talents far beyond the mic. He’ s hosted“ State Plate,” starred in“ Grease” as Teen Angel, made appearances on“ Law & Order: SVU,” and played himself in the rom-com“ Stars Fell on Alabama.”“ After Idol, I just said yes to everything. That’ s how I learned,” he said.“ Sometimes you just say yes and figure it out as you go.”
A Side Hustle Rooted in Family Hicks’ other passion? Pork. Specifically, the slow-cooked, smoke-kissed kind. He co-owns SAW’ s Juke Joint in Birmingham— named one of Men’ s Journal’ s“ 25 Best Barbecue Spots in America.”
“ My grandmother retired to the beach, and I remember her always saying there was nowhere to get good pork,” he said.“ Even in my early twenties, I was looking into opening a barbecue joint in Gulf Shores. That dream stuck, even as music took off.”
Molly Ravencraft Photography
Today, that dream lives on in SAW’ s, where Hicks is still deeply involved.“ Every entertainer needs a side hustle,” he said.“ Mine just happens to be pulled pork and slaw.”
Beneath the Surface When he needs to reset, Hicks goes underwater— literally. A lifelong scuba diver, he makes it a point to dive at least once or twice a year.“ It clears my head,” he said.“ You go down there and realize how small we all are. It’ s peaceful. It puts everything in perspective.”
His favorite destination? Wakatobi, a remote dive resort in Indonesia.“ Just Google it,” he laughed.“ But be warned— you might hurt just looking at the pictures.”
Still Soulful, Still Southern Despite his many achievements— from a Vegas residency to appearing on a GRAMMY ®-winning album— Hicks hasn’ t changed much from the guy who earned his chops on stage at the Flora-Bama.
Looking ahead, Hicks plans to continue releasing music, return to the stage, and possibly collaborate with the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival later this year. He says staying connected to the local scene keeps him grounded. As our conversation wrapped, he smiled and added,“ If you need me, just call. You’ ve got my number now.”
Photo Courtesy of Taylor Hicks
“ Alabamians will let you know early if you can cook, throw a football, or sing,” he said with a grin.“ If you can do one of those, they’ ll support you.”
BKINKEAD @ KINKEADENTERTAINMENT. COM TAYLORHICKS. COM
AUGUST 2025 55