2019 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 26: Taylor Swift attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV) (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)
(Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV)
Taylor Swift is that rarest of pop phenomena: a superstar who managed to completely cross over from country to the mainstream. Others have performed similar moves -- notably, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson both became enduring pop-culture icons based on their ’70s work -- but Swift shed her country roots like they were a second skin; it was a necessary molting to reveal she was perhaps the sharpest, savviest populist singer/songwriter of her generation, one who could harness the zeitgeist, make it personal and, just as impressively, perform the reverse. These skills were evident on her earliest hits, especially the neo-tribute “Tim McGraw,” but her second album, 2008′s Fearless, showcased a songwriter discovering who she was and, in the process, finding a mass audience. Fearless wound up having considerable legs not only in the U.S., where it racked up six platinum singles on the strength of the Top Ten hits “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me,” but throughout the world, performing particularly well in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Speak Now, delivered almost two years later, consolidated that success and moved Swift into the stratosphere of superstardom. Her popularity only increased over her next three albums -- Red (2012), 1989 (2014), Reputation (2017) -- and found her moving assuredly into a pop realm where she already belonged.
Things started moving swiftly once Swift came to the attention of Scott Borchetta, a former DreamWorks Records exec about to launch Big Machine Records. Borchetta saw Swift perform at a songwriters showcase at the Bluebird Cafe and he signed her to Big Machine in 2005; shortly afterward, she started work on her debut with producer Nathan Chapman, who’d previously helmed demos for Taylor. Boasting original song credits on every one of the record’s 11 songs (she penned three on her own), Taylor Swift appeared in October 2006 to strong reviews and Swift made sure to work the album hard, appearing at every radio or television event offered and marshaling a burgeoning fan base through the use of MySpace. “Tim McGraw,” the first song from the album, did well, but “Teardrops on My Guitar” and “Our Song” did better on both the pop and country charts, where she racked up five consecutive Top Ten singles. Other successes followed in the wake of the debut -- a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist (she lost to Amy Winehouse), stopgap EPs of Christmas songs -- but Swift concentrated on delivering her sophomore set, Fearless.
Appearing in November 2008, Fearless was certified gold by the RIAA in its first week of release, and the record gained momentum throughout 2009, earning several platinum certifications as “Love Story,” “White Horse,” “You Belong with Me,” “Fifteen,” and “Fearless” all scaled the upper reaches of the country charts while “You Belong with Me” nearly topped Billboard’s Hot 100. Along with the success came some headlines, first in the form of an infamous appearance at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards where her acceptance speech was interrupted by Kanye West, who burst on-stage to declare that Swift’s rival Beyoncé deserved the award more, but her romances also started gaining attention, notably a liaison with Twilight star Taylor Lautner, who appeared with the singer in the 2009 film Valentine’s Day.
Her flirtation with the silver screen proved brief, as she then poured herself into her third album, Speak Now. Released in October 2010, Speak Now was another massive first-week smash that refused to lose momentum. Hit singles like “Mine” and “Mean,” which won two Grammy Awards, played a big factor in its success not just on the country charts but on pop radio as well. Following a 2011 live album called World Tour Live: Speak Now, Swift turned toward following a pop path on her fourth album, hiring such mainstream musicians as Dan Wilson, Butch Walker, and Britney Spears producer Max Martin. This mainstream pulse was evident on “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” the first single from Red. Upon its October 2012 release, Red shattered expectations by selling over a million copies in its first week, a notable achievement that was doubly impressive in an era of declining sales. Once again, Swift’s album had legs: it was certified platinum four times in the U.S. and its international sales outstripped those of Speak Now. She supported Red with an international tour in 2013 and more hits came, including “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “22.”
As Swift geared up for the release of her fifth album in 2014, she made it clear that 1989 was designed as her first “documented, official” pop album and that there would be no country marketing push for the record. “Shake It Off,” an ebullient dance-pop throwback, hit number one upon its August 2014 release. When 1989 appeared in late October 2014, it once again shot to number one and became her third straight album to sell one million copies in its first week (a new record for any artist).
Swift gathered many awards during the subsequent year, including Billboard’s Woman of the Year, the Award for Excellence at the American Music Awards, and a special 50th Anniversary Milestone Award from the CMAs. Her 1989 World Tour crossed Asia, North America, and Europe during the last half of 2015, and she won three Grammy Awards at the 2016 ceremonies, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Music Video for “Bad Blood.” At the end of 2016, she released “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” a duet with Zayn from the soundtrack for Fifty Shades Darker. The single reached the Top Five across the world. Swift returned with her sixth album, Reputation, in November 2017. Preceded by the number one hit single “Look What You Made Me Do,” Reputation debuted at number one, and while it didn’t replicate the success of 1989, the album did help underscore her popularity while also pushing her toward mature musicality.
Reputation was Swift’s final record for Big Machine. In November 2018, she signed with Universal Music Group, who distributed her new albums under their Republic Records banner. The first album in this contract was Lover. Released in August 2019, Lover was preceded by two singles, “Me!” and “You Need to Calm Down,” which both reached number two on the Hot 100 and helped push the album to number one. The acclaimed LP and two of its singles received a total of three nominations at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
Swift’s plans to support Lover with a tour in 2020 were scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With some unexpected time on her hands, she wrote and recorded a new set of songs, many in collaboration with Aaron Dessner of the National; Bon Iver and longtime Swift associate Jack Antonoff also contributed. The resulting album, folklore, was released on July 24, 2020, and went straight to the top of the Billboard 200.
Here is “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” which was released in early 2021.
Other talented ladies who paved the way to make country music what it is today 👇
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Lee Ann Womack NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 24: Lee Ann Womack performs onstage during Skyville Live Presents a Tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis on August 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Skyville) (Rick Diamond)
Taylor Swift LAS VEGAS - MAY 14: Musician Taylor Swift performs onstage during the first ever Academy Of Country Music New Artists' Show Party for a Cause, benefiting the ACM Charitable Fund held at the MGM Grand Ballroom, MGM Grand Conference Center on May 14, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Judds 03/01/00 Tustin, California - Country Music Stars The Judds, Naomi (L) And Wynonna, Share A Hug Before Appearing At A Tustin, California K-Mart Store To Sign Autographs. K-Mart Is Corporate Sponsor Of The Popular Duo. (Photo By David Mcnew/Getty Images) (David McNew/Getty Images)
Jo Dee Messina Jo Dee Messina rehearses for the "2002 Academy of Country Music Awards" at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Ca. on Monday, May 20, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Pam Tillis NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 13: Pam Tillis performs onstage during Skyville Live Salutes the Magic of Music City on July 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Skyville) (Frederick Breedon)
Emmylou Harris SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: American Musician, Emmylou Harris gives a sneak preview of her Sydney Festival First Night performance at a media call on January 7, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
The Chicks LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: (EXCLUSIVE ACCESS) (L-R) Musicians Emily Robinson, Natalie Maines and Martie Maguire of The Chicks pose backstage at the 2006 American Music Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on November 21, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/AMA/Getty Images for AMA) (Michael Buckner/AMA)
Linda Ronstadt PASADENA, CA - AUGUST 17: Musician Linda Ronstadt accepts the Trailblazer award onstage during the 2008 ALMA Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on August 17, 2008 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) (Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Dolly Parton RANCHO MIRAGE, CA - JANUARY 24: Singer Dolly Parton Performs at Agua Caliente Casino on January 24, 2014 in Rancho Mirage, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images) (Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
Trisha Yearwood INDIO, CA - MAY 02: Musician Trisha Yearwood performs onstage during day 1 of the 2008 Stagecoach Country Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on May 2, 2008 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Tanya Tucker 403701 01: Country singer Tanya Tucker poses backstage April 13, 2002 after her concert at The Orleans in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Scott Harrison/Getty Images) (Scott Harrison/Getty Images)
Martina McBride NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 12: In this handout photo provided by The Country Rising Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, singer Martina McBride performs onstage for the Country Rising Benefit Concert at Bridgestone Arena on November 12, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Country Rising/Getty Images) (John Shearer/Country Rising/Getty Images)
Carrie Underwood LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Carrie Underwood attends the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dcp) (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dcp)
LeAnn Rimes MIAMI, FL - JULY 20: LeAnn Rimes attends Luli Fama fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2015 at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh on July 20, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Luli Fama) (Aaron Davidson)
Reba McEntire LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 07: Host Reba McEntire speaks onstage during the 54th Academy Of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 07, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Kitty Wells November 17, 1965 (photo by Denny Moeller Talent-management/photographer-Fabry, Nashville) (Denny Moeller Talent-management/photographer-Fabry, Nashville)
Crystal Gale NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 23: Crystal Gayle performs on August 23, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Shania Twain NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Shania Twain performs during the opening ceremony on Day One of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Maren Morris LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 24: Target Brings Together Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey for a Special New Music Video for their Single The Middle to Air as a Commercial During the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Pictured: Maren Morris (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Target) (Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Target)
Jennifer Nettles NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 03: Jennifer Nettles performs at 2015 "Next Women of Country" Event at City Winery Nashville on November 3, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)
Kelsea Ballerini LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Kelsea Ballerini speaks onstage during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp)
Tammy Wynette October 18, 1975 (Photo by Hubert Long/Epic Records) (Hubert Long/Epic Records)
Miranda Lambert NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 13: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Miranda Lambert speaks in the press room of the 53rd annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 13, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images) (Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images)
Faith Hill LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 14: Faith Hill performs onstage during the "Soul2Soul" World Tour at Staples Center on July 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Bobbie Gentry American singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry in London, UK, May 1968. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Keystone/Getty Images)
Patty Loveless NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 25: Patty Loveless performs during The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Country Music Association Celebrate Forever Country LIVE, presented by Southwest at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on September 25, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum) (Anna Webber)
Loretta Lynn Portrait of American country music singer and guitarist Loretta Lynn as she sits outside in a chair, 1970s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Alison Krauss NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 22: Singer Alison Krauss performs onstage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Medallion Ceremony to celebrate 2017 hall of fame inductees Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed And Don Schlitz at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 22, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum) (Terry Wyatt)
Lynn Anderson American country music singer Lynn Anderson, UK, 21st March 1971. Her song '(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden' was a major pop hit in 1970 and early 1971. (Photo by Jack Kay/Daily Express/Getty Images) (Jack Kay/Getty Images)
Barbara Mandrell Barbara Mandrell received the Academy's Pioneer Award at the 36th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, Ca. 5/9/01. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Patsy Cline Patsy Cline was a celebrated country singer best known for her crossover hits, including "Crazy" and "Walking After Midnight."