At a showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe in 2005, Taylor Swift caught the attention of Scott Borchetta, a record executive who was preparing to form his independent label Big Machine Records. Taylor was 14 at the time and became one of the label’s first signings.
The singer and songwriter has written songs about her hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania; her love life (including long-term relationships with Joe Alwyn and Harry Styles); and the difficulties of growing up in the public eye. Her musical style has evolved from country-inspired pop to R&B and back again, and her live shows have gone from small venues in the US to sold-out stadiums around the world.
With millions of followers on social media and a global touring empire, the star has built an almost unimaginable career. She has broken records, won awards and accolades, and redefined the role of celebrity in popular culture.
Throughout her career, Taylor has shattered sexism and misogyny in country music while making music that celebrates the joy and power of women. She has inspired a generation of girls and boys to follow their dreams and find their own voice. Her music has touched the lives of fans worldwide and made her one of the most influential celebrities in history.
In 2022, the musician shocked fans by releasing her eighth studio album folklore at midnight. The album debuted at #1 and spent eight non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200, becoming the year’s longest-running number one.
On folklore, Swift paired with producers such as Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner of the National and Bon Iver, who were also featured on the album’s lead single “cardigan.” She recorded the album in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing her to explore darker themes and sounds that she didn’t feel comfortable expressing before.
This book takes readers on a journey of Swift’s evolution from a small-town girl with incredible talent to a fearless businesswoman who operates on her own terms. Readers will discover the many aspects of her story that have made her so relatable and beloved, including her childhood on a Christmas tree farm in Reading, PA, her relationship with her mother, and her fearless pursuit of success. Fully updated in fascinating detail, this is the essential account of Taylor Swift’s rise to superstardom.
