Taylor Swift: Beyond The Music Industry Persona
Taylor Swift is a talented musical bombshell who has been nominated over 500 times for various awards and won 324 since her illustrious career began. We know she’s phenomenal at what she does and are all dying to hear her next release. Her romantic life hasn’t escaped the limelight either. We know she’s had a string of lovers and that she’s always making headlines – but this article is about the quirks and little things you might not know about our favorite songstress. We’re about to get up close and personal, so come along, Swifties, and be warned, this isn’t one for the haters. Here’s a list of Taylor just being Taylor. This is the real person behind the multi-awarded phenomenon – on and off the stage.
Swift’s Unique Reputation
Swift has a unique Reputation (see what we did there?) for being personable and engaging with her fans, often seen as an open book. Her versatile but commendable shifts from country to pop music showcase her willingness to evolve creatively and her eagerness to try new things.
Swift is also involved in many charity movements and social causes, as she is committed to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment world. Overall, she’s celebrated for her fame and her profoundly authentic self and willingness to give back to the community.
Back in the day
Back in the day, before her chart-topping hits like Shake it Off, Love Story, or Blank Space graced our ears and made it to our Spotify favorites list, Swift was just an ordinary little girl like the rest of us. She was her parents’ little princess.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift’s first 14 years on this earth unfolded like a snow globe come alive as she grew up embracing the joys of carols and cookies on a Christmas tree farm called Pine Ridge Farm, where her father, in his spare time, tended to the farm.
Lucky Number 13
Much like the Christmas spirit held by a family that called such a mystical and magical farm their home, Tay Tay was born during the festive season – or at least, close enough to it that most offices close for the holidays around this date – on December 13th, 1989.
The number 13 had an impact on Swift from birth. From birthday to lucky number, 13 isn’t just a digit for Taylor – it’s a personal icon. Even casual Swifties know this lucky charm pops up in songs, awards, and maybe even her cat nap schedule.
What’s in a name?
Speaking of magic, did you know she has a hidden middle name? It’s Alison! While it doesn’t get much spotlight, it adds a touch of intrigue to the persona we know and love. It could be a hint of the bookworm who devoured bedtime stories and still does.
The Lover singer’s parents were inspired by their financial career backgrounds when they named her. They chose a gender-neutral moniker, hoping it would give her an edge in the business world. Little did they know, she’d conquer a different market but still make it big.
She Has a Little Bro
Some of you might not know this, but then again, some might – T-nizzle isn’t an only child. Her brother, Austin, born three years after our favorite girl, is an actor, producer, and Taylor’s biggest supporter, aside from her proud parents.
Her little bro is one of her biggest fans and part of Tay Tay’s inner circle and best friends. He moved to Nashville with the family when he was 9 years old, fully supportive of his big sis. He graduated with a degree in film studies from the University of Notre Dame.
Baby Bro Austin…
“She found singing, and I knew from very early on that that was her direction,” he expressed in a Vanity Fair 2017 interview. “She was never going to quit; that was her thing, that was her life.” We could only wish we had such clear goals at a young age.
Taylor wasn’t the only Swift chasing big dreams! Big Sis owned the music scene, while her little brother found his spotlight on screen. It seems acting was his jam, proving they have a talented family. His acting career began in 2017 with a part in Live By Night.
She Was Determined to be a Star
With a fire in the future singing sensation’s belly at age 11, Taylor wasn’t content waiting for her stars to align. Her success can be credited not to luck but to her persistence. Demo CDs in hand, she and her ever-supportive mom hit the pavement of Nashville.
There were no fancy studios or hotels, just the grit of karaoke renditions and the determination to be heard. This wasn’t about waiting for an opportunity to present itself but creating it, one knock on a music label door at a time.
A Young Virtuoso
She learned to play the guitar around the age of 12, thanks to a technician who was at her home, fixing her computer. She played for hours daily on weekdays and weekends, honing her talents. Not long after, she would write her first song, Lucky You.
Her earlier music included Swift playing the guitar, for example, in her 2006 song Teardrops on My Guitar from her Taylor Swift album. The star-studded celebrity can now play many instruments, from the guitar to the banjo, piano, and even the ukelele.
Role models
Taylor’s journey to superstardom wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of her parents, Andrea and Scott Swift. They were always her number one fans, helping her harness her talents to achieve her Wildest Dreams (tehee) from a young age.
Long before she conquered the music world, won countless Grammys, and became the world’s highest-paid female musician with millions in her bank account, the Folklore singer’s parents drove her to the local gigs in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, where she would showcase her talents.
The Move to Nashville
14-year-old Taylor and her family traded their cozy Gregorian Colonial home on the Christmas tree farm for the bright lights of Nashville. Armed with dreams and determination, she traded carols for country music, ready to chase her star in the Music City.
She became the youngest person ever to sign a songwriting deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing within the year. Not long after, she had an official record deal with Big Machine Records. The rest, as they say, is Tay Tay history.
They grow up so fast
Taylor Swift’s cozy childhood Christmas tree farmhouse found new owners in 2023 for a cool $800,000! Did dedicated Swifties snatch a piece of their idol’s history – or were these buyers enchanted by the winter wonderland vibes? We can only guess.
Either way, the hefty price tag suggests this charming farmhouse holds magic beyond twinkling lights and carols. We can only imagine the beauty of the luscious farmlands filled to the brim with magical trees and twinkling lights. What a sight it must be!
Her Supportive Circle
From encouraging her early songwriting endeavors to facilitating her move to Nashville to pursue her dreams, they were the wind beneath her wings. Taylor and her family, especially her parents, have a relationship many other families would envy.
She also maintains very close friendships. While Taylor Swift cherishes her childhood best friend, Ashley Avignone, her heart extends far beyond a single bond. The music world knows her for collaborations and close friendships with celebrities. As seen in this photo, Karlie Kloss is one of her closest celebrity pals.
Big Heart
Big-hearted Taylor Swift isn’t just close to her childhood best friend – celebs like Selena Gomez, Adele, and even rapper Ice Spice have found a friend in the pop star! Their tight bonds prove Taylor’s open heart knows no genre boundaries.
Taylor Swift is also very close friends with fellow star Ed Sheeran, and the two have even featured in each other’s music. Everything Has Changed, released by Taylor in 2012, inspired The Joker and the Queen, launched by Sheeran in 2021.
Her Fave Color
Real-time Swifties know that Taylor’s music is layered with deeper narratives. But did you know even seemingly insignificant details hold clues? Take her love for purple – it’s not just a fashion statement; it’s her favorite color! She is often seen wearing purple-colored clothes.
From album aesthetics to music videos, this vibrant hue pops up, weaving its way into the tapestry of her artistic expression. This is just one example of how Taylor invites fans on a deeper journey, adding layers of meaning to every detail of her art.
Baking Goddess
This article is about interesting things you might not know about the songstress, so here’s another tidbit. She can whip up a mean dessert. This baking wiz might not be known for her pizza prowess, but at least she has no qualms about making pastries and baked goodies from scratch.
Savory delectables aside, let’s talk about her famous Chai Sugar Cookies, immortalized on Tumblr in 2014, or her “proud of my buns” cinnamon rolls that graced Instagram in 2020. This is a woman who takes pride in her pastries, and rightfully so. What we’d give to sample her baking.
Baking Lover
Perhaps TV is how she’s harnessed this skill. Rumor even has it that the pop superstar is gaga for The Great British Bake Off. Allegedly, she even requested that her management team record every episode of the show so she could watch it later.
Who knows, maybe we’ll soon see a Red Velvet cake inspired by her album or a Shake It Off pie bursting with flavor! Whatever she bakes next, one thing’s for sure: Taylor’s love for baking proves she’s as down-to-earth as a perfectly risen Victoria sponge.
Not the only One
Apparently, T-Swift isn’t the only Great British Bake Off fan, and she’s spread her love of the show to some of her closest buds – including the Summertime Sadness superstar, Lorde. Birds are chirping that the two frequent the phone, comparing notes on the show.
These two pop icons, fancying themselves bakers in their own rights, delight in comparing their baking exploits. Sharing laughter over mishaps and celebrating culinary successes, their sweet-toothed adventures are a source of camaraderie and shared joy.
Travels with Pets
With a billion-dollar empire at her fingertips, Taylor Swift jets around the globe like a seasoned travel pro. But unlike most of us, her “vacay pics” feature private islands and yacht parties – living proof that dreams come true (and come with some seriously luxurious perks).
One might think that she spends all that time in one place to another on her private jet with human company, but Taylor much prefers to be in the presence of her cats. She’s widely known for her obsession with these four-legged felines, and here’s why.
Cat Queen
The Red album star is also a cat lover through and through. In her own words, according to her interview with TIME, Swift feels cats possess qualities like “dignified independence” and live life on their terms, much like our beloved queen.
Her love and adoration for kitties go far beyond purrs and cuddles. She has even led good deeds, inspiring her to advocate for animal shelters and promote pet adoption. Talk about having a paw-sitive impact on the world (or at least on cats).
Paw-sitive Impacts
Speaking of positive impacts, did you know that throughout her career, Swift has often used her enormous platform to help those in need? We won’t use this entire list to go through her philanthropic causes, but here are a few worth mentioning.
Her support of the music community includes the preservation of music history and the promotion of music education. She is also a longtime supporter of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The outfits that represent her albums have once been showcased there.
LGBTQ Advocate
In 2018, the musical maven went public with her political support of the LGBTQ community and stated that she firmly believes in LGBTQ rights and that any form of discrimination based on sexuality or gender is wrong. She once said she wished every place was beautiful and safe for those who identify as LGBTQ.
T-nizzle also actively supported the passage of the Equality Act, which, if passed, would amend the Civil Rights Act to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. (The legislation passed the House in 2021 but has since stalled in the Senate.)
A Powerful Message
During her Eras Tour, Swift delivered a powerful message about Pride Month. She proudly proclaimed that her concerts are a safe space amid “so many harmful pieces of legislation that have put people in the LGBTQ and queer community at risk.”
In 2019, she made a very generous donation to GLAAD (the world’s largest GBTQ media advocacy organization). She also referenced the non-profit in her song, You Need To Calm Down, with the line “Why be mad, when you can be GLAAD?”
Helping the Hungry
It was in recent news that T-Swift made headlines. Aside from her smash-hit concerts – her generosity in supporting local food banks in the cities where she played across the country proves that Swift is always happy to give – even when she’s on tour.
Her donations were not taken lightly. After the expiration of federal pandemic food stamp funding, the demand for food and costs to feed the hungry skyrocketed, and her donations made a significant difference across the state. We can indeed say many people benefited from it.
Following in Her Footsteps
Even though the amount she donated was not public knowledge, it made such an impact that the food banks could buy thousands of pounds worth of fresh food and support programs helping the hungry. We can only assume that she must have given at least hundreds of thousands.
After Swift’s newsworthy act, others began to follow in her footsteps. After the singer announced the donations, increased donations and interest were reported by many food banks in the organization’s network. Her act was profoundly impactful and generous. It must feel great to have made such a huge difference.
GoFundMe Enthusiast
Not only does she put her money where her mouth is, but she also uses her stardom to benefit others by utilizing GoFundMe to assist her fans with crowdfunding. She has helped a boy with autism get a service dog and assisted with medical bills for a fan with cancer.
She’s raised enough funds on the platform to support families struggling to make ends meet and even contributed to two mother’s rental bills. She even helped a widow with 5 children to care for. Indeed, she is more than a pretty face and a pop star.
Raising the Stakes
She even convinced the platform to raise its maximum donation cap to $50,000 so that she could bring in enough money (including her own and her mother’s) to help a young fan suffering from leukemia. Indeed, she is making the world a better place.
She inspires fans to be their best selves, sparking a wave of giving. Not only did GoFundMe report a double in $13 donations in 2023 – an ode to her lucky number – but Swifties united to support shared causes.
Cat Mom
Talk about turning fan devotion into real-world impact. This pop queen proves her influence extends far beyond catchy tunes, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can create a powerful ripple effect. The cat lover has also adopted three kitties – giving them each a home and a place in her heart.
Naturally, Swift wouldn’t be a true-blue kitty cat lover if she didn’t have a squad of feline friends – and she does. We’re sure her home is happier with three! Her trio of furry royalty includes Meredith Grey, Benjamin Button, and Olivia Benson.
Furry Family
These aren’t just pets; they’re adored family members who shower Taylor with purrs and furry kisses, reminding her that even pop stars need a little cuddle time – and reminding us that under all that fame, she’s just a cat mom trying to give her pets the best life.
We know that dog lovers might disagree, but we love Taylor’s approach to kitty loving and agree that they are outrageously independent, intelligent, and adorable furry creatures who deserve all of the pop star’s love and adoration – and ours.
Bookworm
Now might be the best time to pick up a book because our favorite superstar is a reader. We’ve discovered some of her favorite reads, thanks to the Ultimate Book List. So, if you want to snuggle up and read a good book that Tay Tay approves of, keep scrolling.
From delving into the complex relationships of Conversations with Friends to the glittering The Great Gatsby, her literary taste reflects her depth. Even the poignant romance of The Fault in Our Stars finds a place on her bookshelf, establishing her emotional connection to storytelling.
Writer-Singer Extraordinaire
Forget “novel” melodies; Taylor writes the whole book. This songstress extraordinaire doesn’t just enjoy a good read; she crafts her music from scratch. In fact, with only a few exceptions, every song in her treasure trove of tunes is penned (or co-penned) by her.
She started young, landing a songwriting deal at just 14, and hasn’t stopped weaving lyrical magic since. So next time you’re humming a Swiftie classic, remember – you’re not just enjoying a catchy tune but appreciating a true storyteller with a pen as mighty as her voice.
Quippy Swiftie
While her musical prowess is undeniable, Swift’s quick wit and infectious laugh deserve a standing ovation. YouTube is a treasure trove of her comedic gold, from hilarious interview moments where she leaves everyone in stitches to music video bloopers that showcase her ability to laugh at herself.
It’s clear that Swift is a full-fledged entertainer who can make you sing along and burst out laughing in equal measure. So, next time you’re jamming to Shake it Off, remember – she’s more than just a pretty voice; she’s got the jokes to back it.
Pumped Up Kicks
Remember Pumped Up Kicks? Well, on Ellen, Taylor Swift took it to comedic heights. Teaming up with Zac Efron for an “impromptu” song, they hilariously chronicled their Ellen show experiences. No, the two weren’t in a relationship then.
Taylor’s verse, packed with that witty timing and comedy that we all know and love, takes the cake. She had the audience and even Ellen herself in stitches. If you haven’t watched this episode – you’d best tune in to get what we’re talking about.
The Tonight Show
Another time that showcased Taylor’s hilarious wit was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Falon. As Jimmy innocently asks her about her recent eye surgery, she starts to immediately suspect that he is up to something, as Jimmy always is.
Shout out to Tay Tay’s mom, who shared an incredibly hilarious video of Taylor post-surgery, getting very upset over a banana. It was footage that Taylor was surprised to see because she had no idea it existed. It shows that her mom has a sense of humor, too.
SNL Star
This singer left her mark as an SNL host, and it would be impossible to choose just one stand-out moment. From a clingy roommate and a spoof of Twilight to more regular sketches like Scared Straight and Penelope, she nails every role.
We have to give a special mention to her monologue where she uses her musical talents to sing about, well, doing a monologue. It’s particularly funny when she addresses stories about herself head-on, too. Taylor knows how to make us laugh, and we think another hosting stint is long overdue.
Her Fave Place in the World
Jokes and comedy aside, it’s time to get a little more serious. Have you ever wondered where Taylor Swift’s favorite city is? Well, we have the answer for you, and maybe when you’re there, you might be lucky enough to run into her.
It might not be surprising to hear that the sensational Look What You Made Me Do singer loves being back in her roots, choosing Nashville, where she moved to at the age of 11, as her all-time favorite city in the USA.
Hoard of Houses
It’s also no surprise that the billionaire star might be human just like the rest of us, but something that few of us share in common with her is her wealth. Taylor owns not one but eight magnificent houses. We don’t even own a single one, but good for her! She worked hard for them.
Swifty rocks more than stages – her real estate game is boss! From her first buy 14 years ago, Taylor’s built a $150 million property empire across the US. This jet-setting singer clearly puts down roots (and mansions) wherever she goes.
A 20-year-old Ho”meow”ner
Young 20-year-old Swifty snagged her first nest in 2009. A 3,240-square-foot condo near Nashville’s Music Row, designed by the singer (think whimsical Alice in Wonderland vibes). Talk about starting young and setting the bar high. We didn’t even know what we wanted at that age.
Two years later, she bought the Northumberland Estate, also in her fave city in the world, Nashville, for $2.5 million. This property, with over 5,000 square feet of space, was remodeled for Swift, and a recording studio was added, which is exactly what a singer needs.
An Inspirational Home
Her charming home in Manhattan inspired Taylor’s dreamy Lover album. In 2014, she snagged two penthouses at 153 Franklin Street in Tribeca, sparking renovations that fueled the album’s creative vibes. But her real estate love didn’t stop there.
A few years later, she expanded next door, and then… well, let’s just say space wasn’t an issue. In 2018, she added another apartment to the mix, creating a sprawling triple-unit wonderland valued at a cool $45 million. Ah, to be her!
Restoration Queen
In Beverly Hills, she’s restoring a 1934 mansion to its Golden Age glory, honoring Hollywood legend Samuel Goldwyn. Up north, her Watch Hill Estate, perched on a scenic cliff, inspired Evermore tunes and might be the Holiday House from The Last Great American Dynasty.
Taylor’s love for her Rhode Island beach house (snagged for a cool $17.75 million in 2013) is no secret. However, it sparked a local debate when a state tax targeting expensive second homes emerged. Nicknamed the “Taylor Swift Tax,” it charges owners of properties exceeding $2 million an annual levy.
Taylor Tax
While supporters see it as fair to balance the burden on residents, others view it as unfair targeting of wealthy individuals, including, well, pop superstars. Either way it’s seen by the public, Swifty’s Rhode Island continues to make waves beyond the beach.
Whether she’s creating Alice in Wonderland vibes or preserving history, this pop queen’s property portfolio proves she has an eye for both comfort and charm. Of course, wherever she goes, her gorgeous kitties, tight friends, and magnificent voice will follow.
Lover of her Fans
Forget about taxes and fancy houses, imagine Swifty inviting YOU to her house… for cookies and an unreleased album? Not a dream! Before “1989” dropped, she did just that, baking treats and sharing the music with superfans handpicked from the internet (don’t worry, stalking was digital).
Why? To connect with her biggest supporters, the ones who hadn’t met their idols yet. This “1989 Secret Sessions” became a beloved tradition, continuing with “Reputation” and “Lover.” This queen doesn’t just build impressive houses; she builds bridges with her fans.
Bendy Swifty
Now for some more facts about Tay Tay that will blow your mind. During her 73 Questions with Vogue, the singing sensation revealed a surprising fact about herself that not many people knew… she has double-jointed elbows! This condition is also called hypermobility, and about 25% of the population has it.
While she admits it’s not exactly singing or songwriting and doesn’t earn her more moolah, she proudly showcased her ability to bend them in ways most can’t. Who knew the queen of catchy tunes was also a queen of contortion (at least her elbows)?
The Quickest Time to Write a Song
Did you know Love Story was written in an unbelievable 20 minutes on Taylor’s bedroom floor? Neither did we. Goodness, it took us longer than that to write this paragraph. We guess some stories write themselves (and faster than us)!
As mom Andrea revealed during an awards ceremony, teenage Taylor poured her frustration over a disapproved crush into this timeless song, proving that even young hearts can write stories that resonate for generations. Talk about channeling emotions into instant classics.
Dreamer
It’s also been revealed that when she’s not frustration-writing her heart away, often her music comes to her when she sleeps. Often, she’ll dream of lyrics and melodies, which she wakes up from to frantically scrawl them down to remember later.
Her phone is filled with recordings of herself singing tunes inspired by her dreams. For example, her song All You Had To Do Was Stay, featured on her 1989 album, was a song she had initially dreamt about. We can only hope that a hit song will come to us in our dreams.
Track 5
Hold onto your tissues, Swifties! For years, the fifth track on Taylor’s albums has been synonymous with heartbreak anthems like Dear John and All Too Well. But with the arrival of Midnights, the tradition takes a surprising turn, and we can’t help but admit we love it.
Track 5, You’re On Your Own Kid, is emotional, yes, but leans more towards catharsis than soul-crushing sadness. Has the era of guaranteed “Track 5 Tearjerkers” ended? Only time and the release of Taylor’s next masterpiece will tell. We can’t wait.
Fleabag
Even Taylor Swift, the singer with a multitude of fans affectionately named “Swifties,” has her own fanlike obsession – with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, proving she’s human like the rest of us. While expressing her love for Fleabag, she made a few statements to Entertainment Weekly.
She stated that Waller-Bridge “makes you crack up, shocks you, and breaks your heart all in the span of a few minutes in that show.” Swift later performed on the SNL episode that the star hosted. It must have been a dream come true for her.
From Daylight to Lover
From dawn to dusk, Taylor’s Lover almost went by a different name. Originally envisioned as Daylight, a symbolic follow-up to the darker Reputation, it felt predictable. Then, inspiration struck in song form, fortunately, – and the album was named Lover.
This serendipitous shift again proves how Taylor weaves her personal journey and artistic expression into her music, creating not just catchy tunes but relatable journeys with unexpected twists. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll even get a Daylight album, too.
Her Greatest Fear
A reason why city life is preferred by the country lover is because the beach holds one of Taylor’s greatest fears. Not spiders or snakes, but sea urchins. In an interview with Ellen, she revealed her fears and compared them to a grenade.
She spoke about how sea urchins are just sitting there waiting to catch you off guard as you admire the Caribbean, and when you least expect it, their barbs are in you, and you have to go to the emergency room. Well, she’s not wrong.