Taylor Swift recently participated in a rare interview with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. as part of the institution’s Icon Sessions series, where she opened up about her deep connection to country music. During the career-spanning conversation, the global superstar expressed her growing appreciation for her musical origins, stating that she feels increasingly drawn to honoring the genre that launched her career.
Swift reflected extensively on her formative years in Nashville, crediting the city and its influential figures with shaping her identity as both an artist and songwriter. She recalled how learning about Faith Hill’s discovery at the Bluebird Cafe inspired her to perform there herself when she was just 13 years old. The superstar also discussed her debut album and breakthrough single “Tim McGraw,” noting that the song contained early hints of the artistic trajectory that would unfold over the following two decades.
The timing of Swift’s renewed focus on country music aligns with the 20-year anniversary of her self-titled debut album. Earlier this year, she released “I Knew It, I Knew You,” marking her first undeniably country track in years. The single made history by becoming the first song by a female artist to secure airplay across every country radio station reporting to Mediabase during its debut week.
During the Icon Sessions performance at the Grammy Museum, Swift performed a medley before a live audience of songwriters and composers, highlighting tracks connected by themes of memory and personal reflection.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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