Though Taylor Swift (born 1989) has been writing, recording and performing music since the age of ten, she first rose tonationalprominence at 17 in 2006 with the release of her debut country single "Tim McGraw". This was followed by 2006's self-titled debutand the crossover hit "Teardrops on my Guitar". Swift released the sophomore follow-up Fearless in late 2008 featuring the hitsingle "Love Story". Swift has achieved incredible success as both a country and pop artist, selling the most records of any act in 2008 and receiving consistent success with her single releases. Swift sets herself apart from most of her country and pop contemporaries (and influences), as she writes or co-writes all of her material.
