1989 - 1998

Taylor Alison Swift was born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania.

At the age of nine she was highly interested in musical theater.

From then on she started traveling to New York for vocal and acting lessons.

Shania Twain is the person who inspired her to write country music.

1998 - 2005

At the age of ten she was singing at a variety of local events, including fairs and concerts.

Taylor began writing her own songs and learned to play guitar at the age of twelve.

Her parents helped her pursue her music career and left Pennsylvania behind for the music capital of the world, Tennessee.

2006

Taylor Swift was signed with Big Machine Records and released her first single, Tim McGraw.

This song became a top ten hit on the country charts.

October of 2006, Taylor released her self-titled debut album which went on to sell more than five million copies.

2007 - 2008

Taylor won Top New Female Vocalist in 2007.

Taylor Swift released her second album titled Fearless in 2007.

In 2008, Taylor was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist, and was also awarded Female Vocalist of the Year.

By the end of 2008, Swift had become the highest selling country artist.