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Pennsylvania-grown Taylor Swift talked to The New York Times Style Magazine about her ascension to fame.

Swift was first turned on to country music when she heard LeAnn Rimes‘ “Blue” nine years ago.  Swift was ten at the time and Rimes, fourteen.  That song motivated Swift to pursue her dreams and achieve greatness.

My favorite part of the interview was reading about Swift’s road to fame.  She heard about Nashville being THE place for country music.  So after begging her parents to take her there, they agreed to visit Nashville over spring break.  Swift took her demo full of karaoke competition beats and went up and down Music Row.  Mom would double park, and Swift would scurry into each record label to drop her golden ticket off with reception. The little cupcake would explain every time, “Hi, I’m Taylor.  I’m 11.  I want a record deal.  Call me!”

Taylor Swift Rules.

Gallery Info: Taylor Swift striking a pose or two for The New York Times Style Magazine.