A slender, beautiful woman stands in the center of the stage with an acoustic guitar. Her blond hair sways as her smiling lips coo lyrics that have captured the adoration of a generation.
Country-pop crossover star Taylor Swift is hardly a modern-day version of deep- thinking Joni Mitchell. But she is one of the brightest singers in a recording industry desperate for shining lights.
At age 20, Swift is headlining arenas, winning Grammys and selling millions of CDs. When she plays two nights at the Pepsi Center tonight and Wednesday, her gigs will likely be among the top five Colorado music events of the year. That is a big challenge. But Swift has proved so far that she has what it takes to play with the big boys — even when it comes to Kanye West, who famously interrupted her speech at the MTV Video Music Awards last year.
So why did Taylor rise so swiftly up the charts? Because she mined a formula for success, rooted in country music, that’s worked again and again: She’s got a story, she’s sincere, and she’s just plain nice. At least that’s the image.
Consider these three things about the singer.
1. Yes, Swift did grow up on a Christmas- tree farm. It sounds like an urban legend, but it’s true — so says Swift.
In a December 2008 “Tonight Show” appearance, Swift told a sweet story to Jay Leno about the unique setting: “I was too young to help with the hauling of the trees up the hills and putting them onto cars. So it was my job to pull the praying-mantis pods off the Christmas trees.”
2. Swift actually likes fan gifts. You see it all the time at big concerts — fans presenting flowers, drawings and undergarments at the stage. As it turns out, Swift digs her gifts, especially the drawings.
In a recent video recap of her Australian tour, Swift and her band spend 20 seconds of YouTube time showing off some portraits drawn of each member — and their genuine smiles said it all.
3. Swift first met backup singer Liz Huett in a meet-and-greet line: It’s every fan’s fantasy, right? You meet the artist, tell them what their music means to you and eventually end up collaborating.
Huett is living the dream. They met when Swift was pushing her first single, and a few years and many miles later, their paths crossed again. Now they’re colleagues.
Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com; Twitter @RVRB
Taylor Swift.
Country-pop. Pepsi Center, 100 Chopper Circle, with Kellie Pickler and Gloriana opening. Tuesday-Wednesday. 7 p.m. $29-$59.50. or 866-461-6556
