OH TAYLOR!! The Tears, Trophies, & Truths by Tawni Fears

Music is rarely without scandal and an occasional shock. Surprises sell records or at least put an artist in the forefront. Taylor Swift made a name for herself before any other song and dance brought new attention to the star. Country music isn’t a new genre, but for some, mainly the Hip Hop generation, it’s as foreign as a grandmother reciting Lil Wayne’s lyrics. Facts usually get mixed up with personal taste, but quality transcends everything, and at times speaks through sales. Millions of sales in Taylor’s case. So for those who aren’t quite familiar, take this time to be formally introduced to Ms. Swift.

Taylor Swift came on the scene in 2006; her self titled album was subsequently certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Forbes ranked Swift 2009′s 69th-most powerful celebrity with earnings of $18 million. On January 6, 2010, Billboard.com officially announced that Fearless, her second album, was the top-selling album of 2009 in the U.S.  Also in January, Nielsen Sound Scan listed Swift as the top-selling digital artist in music history with over 24.3 million digital tracks sold to date. With that stated, no interruptions needed.

The 52nd Grammy’s was held recently, which Swift  went on to win Album of the Year, Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Album of the Year was what most critics questioned. Is this a ploy by others to smooth things out after her center stage rumble from last year?  Kanye found his own special way to introduce her, but she was definitely speaking to millions before that. Many may rant and rave but the track record shows that Taylor isn’t new to stardom; she is simply a new star to certain crowds.

Numbers are opinions’ foe.  They simply hold more validity. Ask any music industry executive and they will loudly proclaim that they will take a Taylor any day.  Swift has grown accustomed to accolades, and is proving to be a true young superstar. The definition of a star in this case is someone who scores the points that really count.

By: Tawni Fears