Taylor Swift is arguably the most multi-genre and prolific modern American singer-songwriter. With a discography that spans country, pop, indie, dance, and other categories, she has proven that an up-and-coming female songwriter can put out original music without always conforming to the wants of the industry. Born December 13, 1989, Taylor Alison Swift is the daughter of a stockbroker and a mutual fund marketing executive. Named after James Taylor, Swift has some musical heritage in her blood as the granddaughter of an opera singer. At age nine, she took an interest in musical theater, frequently traveling from Pennsylvania to New York City to receive acting and singing lessons. Inspired by Shania Twain and Faith Hill, Swift soon got into country music. She was just 11 when she convinced her mother to take her to Nashville, where they submitted demo tapes of her singing covers of songs by The Chicks and Dolly Parton. After being rejected, Swift figured out that it was because everyone...
