Taylor Swift is known around the world forher songs and good looks. She made itas an artist through hard work, a supportive2 family, and a bit of luck. It often seems that her success was meant to be—she was named afterthe famous folk singer James Taylor after all!
Taylor began singing as a child and showed promiseearly on. She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” for an NBA basketball game at the age of 12. Her parents supported her and even sent her to singing lessons in New York. After this early success, Taylor desiredmore. She also knew that many of her favorite singers got their start in Nashville, Tennessee. So, her family again bet onTaylor and moved close to Nashville.
In Nashville, Taylor got a chance to honeher skills with other songwriters. Many were very impressed withboth her lyrics and catchymelodies. Taylor’s lyrics tell a great story, and her melodies are more pop than country. After one performance in 2005, she finally signed her first record deal. Taylor Swift , her first album, was released in 2006. After only a few years as an opening act, Taylor herself became the main act.
