An Appreciation of Taylor Swift by a 60-Year-Old Man With Open Eyes and Ears
The phenomenon she launched is about far more than the music.
I will get an expected leading question out of the way early: No, I am neither a Swifter nor a Swiftie but yes, I have spent quality time listening to Taylor’s music. When you regularly stew in Southern California traffic and your favorite radio station keeps the music of the world’s most omnipresent singer-songwriter in constant rotation, her voice is hard to miss.
I’ve recently learned, as with the most resonant art, Taylor’s music impacts her listeners individually. Though her prime demographic may be young women, her appeal is certainly far more widespread and not limited by sex or gender.
Call me “Captain Obvious” and I’ll agree with you.
Further, I’ve wanted to write a Taylor Swift-focused article here for some time but have been unable to determine a fresh perspective until literally last night… thanks largely to Medium’s own Barbara Rosenberg, a bold new voice on this platform.
One of her daughters is a devoted fan (that’s an understatement) who regularly attends Taylor’s concerts both in the U.S. and overseas.