Taylor Swift is one of the most famous pop musicians in the world. She has won countless awards over the years, including 23 American Music Awards and numerous Grammys. She also has a large social media following and is a role model for women everywhere. However, she is not without her detractors and has been accused of a variety of things. Regardless of your opinion of her, there is no denying that she has had an incredible impact on the music industry and on people’s lives around the globe.
Born Taylor Alison Swift, she was raised on a Christmas tree farm in West Reading, Pennsylvania. At age 9, she began taking vocal and acting lessons. She eventually shifted her focus to country music, inspired by the likes of Shania Twain and Faith Hill. She won a local talent competition and was offered an opening act slot at a Strausstown amphitheater. This is where she gained the attention of Scott Borchetta, who signed her to his independent record label Big Machine Records in 2006.
In 2012, Taylor released RED, a bold musical statement that marked a shift for her. The album featured collaborations with new producers and songwriters, such as Max Martin and Shellback. It also incorporated new genres into her sound, such as heartland rock and dubstep. It was the most successful release of her career and was followed by a worldwide tour in support of it.
Following her success with RED, Swift signed an unprecedented multi-album deal with Universal Music Group. It included a clause that allowed her to maintain ownership of her master recordings. This allowed her to release her ninth studio album, folklore, in 2020. The self-directed documentary titled “folklore: the long pond studio sessions” on Disney+ features Taylor, Jack Antonoff, and Aaron Dessner performing each song from the album as well as discussing the meanings and inspirations behind them.
The record was a hit, topping both the Billboard 200 and the Hot 100 charts. It spawned several singles, with “willow” and the title track both making their way to number one on the Hot 100. It is the first time that two sister albums from the same artist have simultaneously reached number one on both charts. It also won five Grammys, including Album of the Year, and is the most awarded album of Taylor’s career.
Outside of her music, Taylor is known for her philanthropic work and her personal life. She is an advocate for equal rights and has spoken out against racism, body shaming, and hate. She has been romantically linked to actors Cory Monteith and Jake Gyllenhaal as well as singer-songwriter Harry Styles of One Direction. Most recently, she was in a relationship with actor Tom Hiddleston until it ended in June of 2017. She has been vocal about her sexual preferences and is open about her lifestyle. She has a strong community of fans and is very active on TikTok, where she interacts with her followers regularly.
