Who Is Taylor Swift? (Who Was?)

Who Is Taylor Swift? (Who Was?)

Learn how a young girl who lived on a Christmas tree farm grew up to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of the twenty-first century in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series. Taylor Swift always knew she wanted to be a country music artist, so at age thirteen, she convinced her parents to move their family out of Pennsylvania to Nashville. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Taylor wrote songs about teenage heartbreak and fitting in with her peers, and she performed these and other tunes at open mic nights and karaoke events. Breaking into the music industry took longer than she expected because record executives thought there was no place in country music for her songs. But Taylor was fearless and proved them wrong. Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006, Taylor Swift has dominated the music charts, reinvented her sound, won numerous awards, shaken off public criticism, and spoken up for herself and others. Whether you're a lifelong Swiftie or someone who just loves learning about musicians, this enchanting book will teach you all about the experiences that helped Taylor Swift become the successful superstar many kids and adults looks up to. Kirsten Anderson is a writer and actress who lives in New York City with her charming Pomeranian, Sunflower. She has written several biographies for children, including Who Is Zendaya? and Who Is Kamala Harris? Gregory Copeland is an award-winning illustrator who specializes in representational art and portraiture, as well as historical and horror/fantasy subjects. He paints both digitally and traditionally with oils. In addition to many national publications and book-cover commissions, Greg's work has been awarded by prominent illustration competitions such as the Society of Illustrators New York, Communication Arts Illustration Annual, Spectrum Fantasy Art, and 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide. Who Is Taylor Swift?   It was the summer of 2006. A country music radio station in Nashville, Tennessee, was taking song requests from listeners.   The host answered a call live on the air. It sounded like a young girl.   “Hi, can you play that ‘Tim McGraw’ song you played earlier?” she asked.   Tim McGraw was one of country music’s biggest stars, and he had a lot of hits, so the host asked the caller which Tim McGraw song she wanted to hear.   “The one by Taylor Swift.”   Listening to the radio as she drove through Nashville, sixteen­year-old Taylor Swift screamed, “YES!” and nearly slid off the road. Someone had actually called a radio station to request her new song! Maybe her dream of becoming a country music star was coming true.   Even though Taylor was young, she had already experienced a lot of difficulties trying to break into the music industry. She’d been told that teens didn’t listen to country music and adults wouldn’t be interested in her songs. She’d walked away from a deal with a record company because she wasn’t sure they would let her record her own music.   But Taylor felt that she had something to say. She knew there were plenty of girls who would be able to relate to her songs. They were trying to fit in at school and find friends, too. They were going through first loves and first breakups just like Taylor.   On that day, driving down a street in Nashville, she felt like she had taken a big step in her career. Then again, it was just one step. There was going to be a lot more work for Taylor and her team to do, but she was ready for it.   Taylor Swift planned to make music the focus of her life—­and she would bring her fans along for the thrilling ride.     Chapter 1 Life on a Farm   Taylor Alison Swift was born on December 13, 1989, in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Her father, Scott, worked in banking. Her mother, Andrea, had also worked in banking before becoming a stay-­at-­home mom. When Taylor was two years old, her brother, Austin, was born.   Taylor and her family lived on a Christmas tree farm that her father had bought from one of his clients. Every morning, Scott would get up early to do chores on the farm before heading into the office. The rest of the family pitched in to help with other tasks, especially during Christmas. Taylor’s job was picking the praying mantis eggs out of the trees so that they wouldn’t hatch in people’s homes! The excitement of Christmas on the farm gave Taylor a lifelong love for the holiday season.   The family kept horses on the farm, too, and Taylor began riding them at an early age. She competed in horseback riding tournaments, and her mother dreamed Taylor would become a champion rider when she got older. But Taylor was drawn to something else.   As soon as she could talk, Taylor began to sing. She plucked out tunes on toy pianos and learned all the songs from her favorite Disney movies. When she was six, her parents took her to see the young country star LeAnn Rimes in concert. Taylor was enchanted. She started