On December 13, 1989, when pop music prodigy Taylor Swift was born, this writer had just completed her first and last semester at the newly formed Clark Atlanta University, formerly Clark College. Back then, you could find me cruising through the streets of Decatur, Georgia groovin’ to Janet Jackson’s “Miss You Much” while riding in my sky blue-colored Nissan Maxima with the moonroof open.
Fast forward nearly 25 years later and today I am jammin’ with the top back on my eco-chic, smart car to the catchy single “Shake it Off” sung by a grey-eyed, blonde girl with a little bit of soul in her (check out the music video on Vevo).
Not much has changed. Both artists are audacious, one with fierce dance moves and the other who simply lets loose: twisting, twerking and shouting. Swift’s truly independent and unconcerned with detractors. To me, both singles signify female empowerment – an act I will always embrace.
A fellow Sagittarian, Swift performed live on Monday evening for fans on a New York City rooftop to celebrate the release of her new album, 1989, which dropped yesterday.
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At the event titled “Taylor Swift’s 1989 Secret Session with iHeartRadio,” Taylor kicked off the performance with “Welcome to New York” and continued with “Out of the Woods,” “Style,” “Blank Space” and closed with my fave “Shake It Off.” The lucky audience was filled with fans she handpicked from her fan club to attend this final Secret Session.
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Plus, for fans on the rooftop and throughout New York City, Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. also synchronized the world-famous LED tower lights on the Empire State Building to Taylor’s performance, which broadcasted on iHeartMedia CHR stations throughout the country as well as streamed iHeartRadio.com and Yahoo Live.
