About 18 months ago I was hosting a Rising Star Showcase here at WQMX, and we were lucky enough to have Taylor Swift as our performer. She was 15 at the time, and she had the good fortune to have a hit song on the radio, the song "Tim McGraw." There was a good crowd here, I'd say about 60 listeners, and everyone had a great time. I remember thinking at the time that Taylor was quite poised , and had a nice relationship with her budding fan base.
Taylor put on a good show, and we all thought she was a nice kid. She was here with her record industry reps, and her mom! I remember thinking at the time that having mom here was a good touch, and if I were her parents I'd want to tag along too. I don't think one of us that night thought that Taylor Swift was destined for REALLY great things. In hindsight, I wish one of us had. - ME.
Taylor Swift is a budding young star all of 17 now, and is on the fastest track imaginable to becoming a star that will cross over endless boundaries. She recently won CMA's, and is now up for a Grammy. She's put a few songs near the top of the charts, and it seems right now the sky's the limit. I've been playing country music on the radio for 27 years, it's rare to see someone with a future so bright. Baseball great Reggie Jackson said it so great once about Derek Jeter, "I'd trade my past, for his future!" That applies to Taylor Swift. Many performers I'm sure feel that way about her.
My opinion of Taylor Swift really changed from her award show performances. The ACM's when she walked out and sang TO Tim McGraw with a guitar only, the song that bears his name as they met for the first time right there on TV! And at the CMA's where she performed a song she wrote flawlessly in front of her idols, who were recording songs long before she was born. Such poise! Her use too, of all forms on modern communication with her fan base has been extraordinary.
I asked her mom when she was here, if Taylor was the kid that put on little shows and always told others that she was going to be a country star. Her mom said yes. I asked too, if other kids made fun of her, and she confirmed that as well. After all, every graduating class has a kid like that. But those dreams go up in smoke with the playing of Pomp and Circumstance, and give way to a normal life. Taylor Swift is not going to lead a normal life. Taylor Swift is going to be a huge star. And he hasn't even heard Pomp and Circumstance yet! She will cross over to many kinds of music, and fans. She will win awards, make videos, commercials, record hit albums and songs, and pass virtually very other woman in country music and other forms of music along the way.
I remember too telling her record rep at the time, that I believed every word she sings in the song "Tim McGraw." He said he never heard it put that way before, and he concurred. That is her strength. She is totally believable in all aspects of her young career. Look, whether you like her music or not, the way she delivers it is totally honest. And to be frank, whether you like the songs or not, it's tough NOT to like HER. She comes off as one hundred percent likable, approachable, and humbled by all that's going on in her young life. I feel she handles herself so well, it's a testament to her parents and to her handlers that they have this young superstar in their midst, and no one seems to know it. And for a change.....that is so refreshing!
I liked meeting Taylor Swift, and she has an open invitation to be on the show with Shannon and me any time. I'm rooting for Taylor Swift. Country music could use another superstar. If your not sure who Taylor Swift is, wait about 5 minutes, and you'll find out.
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Scott: If someone doesn't know Taylor Swift they are not a listener of country music. I really enjoy her songs and bought her first album shortly after you had her on your show. You have had some great musicians come through your station.
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