Taylor Hicks Is "Gran" for Clint Eastwood

This past April, I lost my Dad. He lived to a wonderful age, but sadly most of it without my Mother. But the Gift she left him, which we enjoyed until he passed on, was that he became so much more open to Life and all its Joys. He also had some strong religious convictions which became altered with her leaving us.

The movie "Gran Torino" has become very dear to me since his passing, for the obvious similarities and also because I live so close to where this was filmed and took some rides out that way with my Dad and Mom when I was younger. The song has always had a special place in my heart. But now after my Dad's death, to hear Taylor Hicks put his beautiful and soulful voice to it, has brought it to life for me again in a way that I am finding hard to even describe.

So I will just say....you made the RIGHT CHOICE, Mr. Eastwood! Your exquisite movie and sound track, and Taylor Hicks are a match that has brought me tears and smiles all at once. There is no one else besides you who could have performed this in such a soulful and tender way. So thank you, Clint for the film and for giving Taylor Hicks this honor. And Taylor... for making this beautiful and moving performance available for us...Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

I miss you, Daddy....

To watch this on YouTube, go here:

GranTorino