Taylor Swift

Taylor Allison Swift became one of country-pop’s youngest and most talented faces in 2006 when the sixteen year-old singer and songwriter released her first self titled album. Although she was new to the American public, she had been performing since a very early age. Swift took inspiration from her opera singing grandmother and sang the Star Spangled Banner at a Philadelphia 76ers game at the age of 11.

The following year, she picked up a guitar and would practice for many hours everyday, stopping only when her fingers bled. Taylor’s parents started realizing their child’s passion and dedication and began making regular trips to Nashville, TN, where she would perform and meet with songwriters in the area.

The family then made the decision to move their family from Pennsylvania to a Nashville suburb, which ultimately launched Taylor’s career. One night while performing at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Swift caught the attention of music veteran, Scott Borchetta, who immediately signed her to his newly formed label, Big Machine Records. In 2006, Taylor released her first single, Tim McGraw, and she became an instant sensation. The song touched upon her experiences as a lovelorn high school student, a constant theme throughout her debut self-titled album.

In 2008, Taylor released her sophomore album, Fearless, which produced five top ten singles including Love Story. She was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Artist category, but lost the title to Amy Winehouse.

In Summer 2009, Taylor started her Fearless tour, selling out arenas nationwide. She is touring with both Kellie Pickler and Gloriana.

In 2008, Taylor was briefly linked to Jonas Brother Joe Jonas. She wrote her song on the Fearless album Forever and Always about him.