Home
The Beginning
''I took my demo CDs of karaoke songs, where I sound like a chipmunk — it's
pretty awesome — to Nashville, and my mom waited in the car while I
knocked on doors up and down Music Row. I would say, 'Hi, I'm Taylor.
I'm 11. I want a record deal. Call me.'''
The Setup
After losing the chipmunk vibe, Swift signed a development deal with RCA
Records at 13 — but got out of it a year later, wary of being encouraged
to record other writers' material. At 14, she became the youngest person
to ever sign a songwriting deal with powerhouse Sony ATV Publishing.
The Breakthrough
Her first hit, 2006's ''Tim McGraw,'' memorialized a sweet romance with a
senior who was going off to college. Fun fact: Their song (never
actually named in Swift's lyrics) was McGraw's ''Can't Tell Me Nothin'.''
The Future
A recent co-write with Colbie Caillat, ''Breathe,'' will appear on Swift's
sophomore album, due in late '08. A song she co-wrote with Kellie
Pickler, ''The Best Days of Your Life,'' is set for Pickler's next effort.
You Might Also Like
- EW.com Extra Taylor Swift's road to fame | Chris Willman
- Grammys 2008 Taylor Swift: Date with Grammy? | Chris Willman
- Music News First Listen: Taylor Swift
- Music News New music for December 21, 2007 | Leah Greenblatt
