Taylor Swift's Milestones
Birth
Taylor Alison Swift was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, to Scott Kingsley Swift and Andrea Gardner Swift.
Childhood in Wyomissing
Grew up in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, where she developed an interest in music and performing. She later attended Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School before the family moved to Nashville.
Early Performances and Songwriting
Began performing at local festivals, fairs, coffeehouses, and sporting events in Pennsylvania. Started writing songs and traveled to New York City for vocal and acting lessons. Sang the national anthem at a Philadelphia 76ers game at age 11.
First Nashville trip
At age 11, traveled to Nashville with her mother to visit record labels and submit demo tapes of covers, but faced initial rejection.
Started learning guitar
At age 12, a computer repairman named Ronnie Cremer taught her to play guitar, leading her to write her first song, 'Lucky You'.
Signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing
At age 14, became the youngest songwriter ever signed by the Sony/ATV Tree Music Publishing house in Nashville.
RCA Records Development Deal
Secured an artist development deal with RCA Records in Nashville. She left after about a year due to concerns about being shelved and a desire to release her own original material sooner.
Family moved to Nashville
Family relocated to Hendersonville, Tennessee (a suburb of Nashville) to support her burgeoning country music career.
Signed with Big Machine Records
After performing at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, caught the attention of Scott Borchetta, who signed her to his newly formed label, Big Machine Records.
Released debut album 'Taylor Swift'
Released her self-titled debut album, which peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and spent more weeks on the chart in the 2000s than any other release.
Released 'Fearless'
Released her second studio album, 'Fearless'. It became her first Billboard 200 chart-topper, the best-selling album of 2009 in the US, and catapulted her to international fame.
Kanye West VMAs incident
During her acceptance speech for Best Female Video ('You Belong with Me') at the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West famously interrupted her, stating Beyoncé should have won.
Won first Grammy Album of the Year
'Fearless' won Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, making her the youngest artist at the time to win Album of the Year.
Released 'Speak Now'
Released her third studio album, 'Speak Now', which she wrote entirely by herself. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with over one million first-week sales.
Released 'Red'
Released her fourth studio album, 'Red', which showcased a broader range of musical styles including pop and rock influences. It was her first number-one album in the UK.
Moved to New York City
Purchased an apartment in New York City, which significantly influenced the sound and themes of her next album.
Released '1989'
Released her fifth studio album, '1989', marking her official transition from country to pop music. It won her second Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Dated Calvin Harris
High-profile relationship with Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris. They co-wrote the song 'This Is What You Came For'.
Kim Kardashian phone call controversy
Kim Kardashian released edited snippets of a phone call between Swift and Kanye West regarding his song 'Famous', leading to significant online backlash against Swift and a period of public retreat.
Started relationship with Joe Alwyn
Began a private, long-term relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn, which lasted for over six years.
Sexual assault trial victory
Won a symbolic $1 in damages after successfully countersuing former radio DJ David Mueller for assault and battery during a 2013 meet-and-greet.
Released 'Reputation'
Released her sixth studio album, 'Reputation', which explored themes of fame, media scrutiny, and her public image, featuring a darker, electropop sound.
Signed with Universal Music Group
Announced she had left Big Machine Records and signed a new multi-album deal with Universal Music Group's Republic Records, which notably included ownership of her future master recordings.
Masters controversy with Scooter Braun
A public dispute began when Scooter Braun's company, Ithaca Holdings, acquired Big Machine Label Group, including the master recordings of her first six albums. Swift expressed her disapproval and announced her intention to re-record her back catalog.
Released 'Lover'
Released her seventh studio album, 'Lover', her first under Republic Records. It became the best-selling album of 2019 in the US.
'Miss Americana' Documentary Released
Netflix released 'Miss Americana', a documentary film directed by Lana Wilson, chronicling several years of her life, career, and personal struggles.
Released 'Folklore'
Surprise-released her eighth studio album, 'Folklore', an indie folk/alternative rock album created during the COVID-19 pandemic. It won her a third Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Started re-recording albums
Began the process of re-recording her first six studio albums to gain ownership of their master recordings, following the Big Machine catalog sale.
'Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions' Released
Released 'Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions', an intimate concert film on Disney+, where she performed 'Folklore' in its entirety and discussed its creation with co-producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff.
Released 'Evermore'
Surprise-released her ninth studio album, 'Evermore', described as a 'sister album' to 'Folklore', continuing its indie folk style.
Released 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)'
Released 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)', the first of her re-recorded albums. It became the first re-recorded album ever to top the Billboard 200 chart.
Released 'Red (Taylor's Version)'
Released 'Red (Taylor's Version)', which included the original 30 songs intended for the album, notably 'All Too Well (10 Minute Version)', which became the longest song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Received Honorary Doctorate from NYU
Awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by New York University (NYU) and delivered the commencement address for the Class of 2022 at Yankee Stadium.
Released 'Midnights'
Released her tenth studio album, 'Midnights', a concept album exploring nighttime thoughts. It broke numerous global streaming records and won her a historic fourth Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Launched The Eras Tour
Embarked on 'The Eras Tour', a critically acclaimed and commercially record-breaking retrospective concert tour covering all her studio albums. It became the highest-grossing tour of all time and a significant cultural phenomenon.
Released 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)'
Released 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)', her third re-recorded album. It made her the woman with the most number-one albums in Billboard 200 history.
Started dating Travis Kelce
Began a highly publicized relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Released '1989 (Taylor's Version)'
Released '1989 (Taylor's Version)', her fourth re-recorded album. It achieved the largest album sales week of her career and broke her own Spotify record for most single-day streams.
Named Time Person of the Year
Recognized as Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2023, highlighting her unprecedented global cultural and economic impact.
Released 'The Tortured Poets Department'
Released her eleventh studio album, 'The Tortured Poets Department', a surprise double album which broke numerous global streaming records upon release and achieved a historic multi-week run at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.