How Taylor Swift Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Taylor Swift across different fields.

Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter renowned for her autobiographical lyrics, artistic flexibility, and substantial cultural influence. As one of the best-selling music artists globally and the highest-grossing touring artist, she's also the wealthiest female musician and the first billionaire whose primary income source is music. Her impact spans across the music industry and popular culture, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in contemporary entertainment.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

2010: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2010, Time included Taylor Swift on its annual list of the 100 most influential people, recognizing her early impact.

2011: Identifies as a songwriter first

In 2011, Taylor Swift said that she identifies as a songwriter first, and her voice is simply a way to get those lyrics across.

2013: World's Biggest Pop Star

In 2013, Jody Rosen of New York magazine dubbed Taylor Swift the "world's biggest pop star," highlighting her impact on the music industry.

2015: Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time

In 2015, Taylor Swift was recognized as the youngest person on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, highlighting her songwriting achievements.

2015: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2015, Time included Taylor Swift on its annual list of the 100 most influential people, acknowledging her continued influence.

2017: Time Person of the Year

In 2017, Taylor Swift was spotlighted as one of the "Silence Breakers" by Time magazine as Person of the Year for speaking up about sexual assault.

2019: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2019, Time included Taylor Swift on its annual list of the 100 most influential people, marking her consistent impact.

2021: Songwriter Icon Award

In 2021, Taylor Swift received the Songwriter Icon Award from the National Music Publishers' Association. They remarked that no one is more influential when it comes to writing music today.

2022: Songwriter-Artist of the Decade

In 2022, the Nashville Songwriters Association International named Taylor Swift Songwriter-Artist of the Decade.

2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time

In 2023, Taylor Swift ranked 102nd on Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. Rolling Stone noted that recent releases such as Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights officially settled the argument regarding her inclusion on the list.

2023: Time Person of the Year

In 2023, Taylor Swift was named Time Person of the Year, the only individual from the arts to receive this honor.

2023: Time Person of the Year and Rolling Stone's 200 Best Singers of All Time

In 2023, Taylor Swift was named Time's Person of the Year for her cultural domination and Rolling Stone ranked Swift at 102 on their list of 200 Best Singers of All Time.

2024: Kitty Empire on Swift's artistry

In 2024, critic Kitty Empire opined that Taylor Swift is "a profoundly old-fashioned artist", whose songs "tell a story, in succinct, emotive ways that often scan meticulously".