Country Billboard Chart News June 19, 2014

Country Billboard Chart News June 19, 2014

In Brief:  Billboard Country Charts

Country Album Chart ** No. 1 (2 weeks) “Platinum” Miranda Lambert

Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (6 weeks; non consecutive) ** “This Is How We Roll” Florida Georgia Line

Country Airplay ** No. 1 (1 week) ** "Beat Of The Music" Brett Eldredge

Country Digital Songs ** No.1 ** (5 weeks; non consecutive) “This Is How We Roll” Florida Georgia Line

Billboard Top 200 / Country Album Chart News

Rocker Jack White claimed his second No.1 album on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart (BB200), as LAZARETTO made a bow on the top slot with 137,732 copies sold in the week ending June 15, according to NielsenSoundScan.

The effort follows his solo debut, "Blunderbuss," which also opened atop the list and sold 138,000 in its first frame. "Lazaretto" — released on White's Third Man Records label through Columbia Records — also sets the record for the largest sales week for a vinyl album since SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. It was also the weeks top selling Digital album

Miranda Lambert with PLATINUM (RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville) slipped 1-2 on the BB200 with 62,303 copies sold (down 65%; #3 best selling Digital album) giving the reigning 4 times ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year a second week atop the Billboard Country Album chart.

Brantley Gilbert's JUST AS I AM dipped 3-4 on the BB200 (holding at #2 Country) with 40,000 copies sold in his 4th week (down 18%)

Eric Church with THE OUTSIDERS (EMI Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville) moved 26-19 on the BB200 and rebounded 8-6 Country (sales of 16,000 were up 42%, 18-week total 624,000).

On second chart weeks Various Artists, "Now That's What I Call Country Vol. 7 despite a 26% sales decline, moved 11-10 to hold #3 Country. The set on reaching the top 10 became the 56th "Now That's What I Call Music"-branded album to reach the region. Rural Rapper / Country Rap artist Big Smo with KUNTRY LIVIN’ maintained his first week sales aided by his TV debut of “The Big Smo Show”. Lucy Hale’s debut Road Between sold another 5,000 copies (down 72% on her hirst week) to fall 14-67 on the BB200 (4-1 Country)

Kacey Musgraves’ high profile CMT Crossroads performance with KATY Perry gave“ SAME TRAILER DIFFERENT PARK a sales gain of  55% moving 105-71 (#16-13 Country; 65-week total of 430,000)

Of Note: First Aid Kit with their third album STAY GOLD (Jagadamba / Columbia) made a debut on the Billboard 200 at No.23 selling 14,559 copies. 

Recorded at ARC studios in Omaha and produced by Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk), the duo also enlisted The Omaha Symphony Orchestra to play on the record, with arrangements by Nate Walcott (Bright Eyes, Broken Bells, Rilo Kiley). They say of the recording process, "We took new directions and turns with the arrangements, building them up and creating more dynamics, yet always following where the songs wanted to go."

In the UK the single “My Silver Lining” was playlisted by 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 and became the Swedish folk first Top 200 entry on the singles chart (103-136; 1,394 sales) and the album made a debut at No.11 (11,281 sales).

Criticial reception for “Stay Gold”:

10 Tracks/ Time: 38:25 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com  

The Telegraph  (Rating: 4 STARS) 'honey-drenched'....The third album from Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg is the aural equivalent of lying in a sunny meadow, says James Hall Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg first came to attention in 2008 when a video of them belting out Fleet Foxes’ Tiger Mountain Peasant Song as teenagers became a YouTube phenomenon. First Aid Kit’s status was cemented in 2012 when their country-tinged single Emmylou was voted by Rolling Stone

magazine as one of the 10 best singles of the year. The duo’s third album, Stay Gold, finds their close harmonies as honey-drenched as ever. Closer to country than folk, the album sounds as if it’s aimed at cracking the United States, where they have a burgeoning following....

Outside of the Top 25 Country Albums saw debuts for:

(a) Demun Jones with JONES COUNTY (Average Joes Entertainment) made a debut at No.30. The Georgia native and former member of the chart-topping duo, Rehab, released his first solo album June 10, 2014. It’s named after the Georgia county from which Jones hails, not only illustrates his evolution as an artist by infusing his country inspired lyrics with hip-hop grooves, but reveals a bit of his personal growth, as well.

Listen to single >> "Country Fried" (Track 2) Watch the official video (191,679 views) for >> "The Muddy Muddy" (Track 5) which appeared on Mud Digger 4 (Average Joes Entertainment)  compilation which dropped July 2, 2013.

Demomagazine.ca (review): The 12 tracks feature country-inspired lyrics with hip-hop grooves, including "Tannerite," about boys playing with explosives who come across Bigfoot, and "I'm A

Man," inspired by his father. The album’s content is autobiographical and leaves the listeners with an inkling of what it is like to live in the southern United States..... A track that amalgamates the mood of Jones County is the track titled “11 11 (feat. Bubba Sparxxx & LoCash Cowboys).” It features a repetitive fiddle sample over a rough drum track, and the actual rapping is not bad.... Another track worth mentioning is “Boondocks,” purely because of how dirty it is, and the fact that a banjo sample is subtly thrown in.  Other than that, there is absolutely no substantial harmonic content; besides the repeated banjo sample, there is a whopping two notes heard throughout the entire song. However, it is important to keep in mind that musical complexity is not what Jones is about — his lyrics are what makes him shine! “The smell/of burnt fuel fills the air/I got trucks and trailers lined up everywhere” are a sample of the lyrics that accurately pull off what Jones is trying to portray: the imagery and context of his life and career. From what I gather, Demun is a pure country boy, he has grit, and he is a skilled rapper.

“Jones Country” 12 Tracks / Time: 40:21 available MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(b) Danny Boone with FISH GREASE (Average Joes) made a debut at No.31 Country. The other half of the duo Rehab released a debut country solo album, too. Included in the 12 songs are the title track, which is about the country-rap movement, "1965," inspired by Boone's stepfather, and "My Small Town," a song about how things change over the years.

One Stop Country (review) ...Traditional country music fans are probably gonna hate what we’re about to say, but it is what it is; Country music is facing a huge surge of change even more than

what we are hearing on radio right now. ...the first solo album from Rehab front man Danny Boone, he continues to make an impact on the rap-country sub-genre. With opening track “Raise A Toast,” he instantly gets you singing along with the “oh oh oh’s” and that is just the beginning. While songs like “All They Wanna Hear” gets your arms swaying as it gives a nod to “Bartender” and Boone’s own past successes, songs like “Down To The River” and “My Small Town,” see the familiarness of today’s country mainstream incorporated into them. However, the most enduring track on the album arguably comes through “Don’t Take My Whiskey,” a foot-tapping, front porch feeling type of tune that showcases the many aspects to Danny Boone’s music all in one song. The 13-track album is certainly not going to be for everyone as it is easily geared towards the younger generation of country music fans, but with the feel good grooves and sing-a-long type of songs, Fish Grease is one album from start to finish that is the perfect summertime companion.

Sample Buy “Fish Grease” (AVJ Records) MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com - Spotify Danny Boone – Fish Grease

(c) Gene Watson with MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COUNTRY (Fourteen Carat Music; FCM-0002) made a lowly debut at No.48 Country.

"I recorded these songs to honor my music heroes and pay homage to the artists and the songs that shaped my career" he shared. The album's 11 tracks include Watson's covers of Eddy Arnold's "Make The World Go Away," Johnny Paycheck's "Slide Off Your Satin Sheets" and George Jones' "Walk Through This World With Me."

Critical reception for Gene Watson’s “My Heroes Have Always Been Country”:

11 Tracks/ Time: 34:01 CD - MP3 - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 

Inside Music Row >> video interview 1361

Billboard (by Chuck Dauphin): ....Simply put, he’s one of Traditional Country’s best friends, and his new disc shows his reverence and respect for many in the format with his take on eleven bonafide Country classics! He starts the set with a stunning version of Dottie West’s “Here Comes My Baby” that is very close to the original – as far as arrangement goes, and the

harmonies – from John Wesley Ryles and Cindy Walker are nothing short of sensational.  He channels the late Ray Price on the gorgeous deep catalog number “Don’t You Believe Her.” A normal singer couldn’t pull the cut off, but Watson is far from ordinary! Some have written some illl-timed obituaries on traditional Country Music these days. And, granted, one does have to search for it a little bit more these days, but Gene Watson is still the real deal – as good now as he’s ever been! You might not hear a lot of acts performing music like this anymore, but this is Gene Watson’s Country Music – and he does. (We’re grateful for it too!)

Alan Cackett ex Maverick Editor (Rating: 5 STARS) Gene Watson is sort of a litmus test of country fan-dom. To younger or casual fans, he is—at most—an old guy who used to have some hit records. Long-time hard-core country fans, however, revere Watson as one of the genre’s truly golden voices, perhaps the best of Lefty Frizzell’s many disciples. He’s always had one of the warmest, most accessible voices in the country field, and at 70 years old, he’s singing better than ever on this beautiful album....The depth of material, coupled with Watson’s aching barroom voice proves to be a perfect match. Strong lyrics and impressive vocal performances are complemented by intelligent and restrained musical arrangements … an education in classic traditional country music for anyone who listens.... These feel like more than songs; they feel like treasures … timeless treasures to be cherished and listened to over and over again.

Country Music People by Duncan Warwick (Rating: 5 STARS)..A tribute to your influences is not the newest idea for an album but that's what Gene Watson has done for his latest release. Of course, it helps that Watson is one of the finest singers ever to wrap his tonsils around a country song, and the title says it all. Gene Watson appreciates a good country song better than just about anybody, and it shows here.....he hasn't compromised the quality of recording, production, or musicianship he was used to in his hit-making days. This sets his recordings head and shoulders above many 'heritage' acts that sometimes scrimp on such details... Ultimately, what all this means is that, if you like your country to be 'real' country, you won't be in any way disappointed with this release, even if personally I would have preferred Watson to switch 'Long Black Veil' and Buck's 'Hello Trouble' for something a tad less hackneyed. However, neither detracts from what is a wonderful and classy album by a guy who is still one of the finest singers out there and someone to whom you should turn if you ever need reminding what a country record should sound like'.

2014 Country Album sales Year-To Date:

14,219,000 (Physical sales 9,365,000 (down 9%) + Digital sales 4,854,000 (down 13.2%)) which is 22.1% down at the same point in 2013 (18,242,000 sales)

Billboard Top 200 / Country Album Placings

(Issue dated Chart week of June 28, 2014)

(Country Album positions #1 - #25)

(TW) This Week, (LW) Last Week, Co (Country Album Chart placing / Movement)

Top 25 Hot Country Songs (week of June 28, 2014)

On Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart - which blends:

a) All-format airplay, as monitored by BDS 

b) Sales, as tracked by Nielsen SoundScan and

c) Streaming, (tracked by Nielsen BDS from such services as Spotify, Muve, Slacker, Rhapsody, Rdio and Xbox Music, among others) according to BDS it results in:

• Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Roll” (Republic Nashville) spent a sixth non-consecutive week at No.1 nabbing the weeks Streaming Gainer honours (2.1 million, up 11%). The song ties “Stay” for the duo’s second-longest No.1 stretch; the latter title finished its six-week command on the Jan. 18 list. The twosome hold the record for the most weeks at No.1 in the chart’s history with “Cruise” (24 weeks, 2012-13). “Roll” returned to No.1 for a second week on Country Streaming Songs, having first topped the April 26 chart. The Derulo remix accounted for 49% of the song’s 106,000 downloads sold in the week ending June 15.
• Chris Young claimed his seventh top 10 with “Who I Am With You” (RCA Nashville), which advanced 14-9 in its 21st chart week. He last reached the upper region with “Aw Naw,” which peaked at No.4 (Nov. 2, 2013). His chart history includes five straight leaders (2009-12), a feat he most recently achieved with “You” (Feb. 11, 2012). An increase in radio play was mostly responsible for the cut’s advance in rank on the sales/airplay/streaming hybrid chart, as it reached a new peak (8-7) on the Country Airplay tally (36 million audience impressions; up 9%) streaming increased (up 2%; 630,000 U.S. streams).
• Scotty McCreery surged 46-37 with Digital Gainer stripes with “Feelin’ It” (19/Interscope/Mercury) (7,000 downloads sold, up 80%). McCreery scored his first top 10 three months ago with “See You Tonight,” which peaked at No.10 (March 1).

Top 25 Hot Country Songs:

Florida Georgia Line feat Luke Bryan with “This Is How Me Roll” stays at #1

Luke Bryan with former #1 “Play It Again” held at #2

Jake Owen  with “Beachin’” stays at #3

Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastion with “My Eyes” climbs five, #9 - #4 p 

Dierks Bentley with “Drunk On A Plane” is up one, #6 - #5 p

Lee Brice with “I Don’t Dance” jumps up four, #10 - #6 p

Justin Moore with “Lettin’ The Night Roll” rises four, #11 - #7 p

Brett Eldredge with “Beat Of The Music” is down one, #7 - #8 q

Chris Young with “Who I Am With You” ascends five, #14 - #9 p

Lady Antebellum with “Bartender” is down two, #8 - #10 q

Brantley Gilbert with former No1 “Bottoms Up” falls six, #5 - #11 q

Tyler Farr with “Whiskey In My Water” is up one, #13 - #12 p

Joe Nichols with “Yeah” is up two, #15 - #13 p

Billy Currington with “We Are Tonight” moves up two, #16 - #14 p

Miranda Lambert with “Automatic” plummets eleven, #4 - #15 q

Brad Paisley with “River Bank” drifts up one, #17 - #16 p

Craig Campbell with “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” climbs one, #18 - #17 p

Dustin Lynch with “Where It’s At” (Yep, Yep) is up one, #19 - #18 p

Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood with “Somethin’ Bad” falls seven, #12 - #19 q

Tim McGraw feat Faith Hill with “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” holds at #20

The Band Perry with “Chainsaw” is up two, #23 - #21 p

Chase Rice with “Ready Set Roll” climbs two, #24 - #22 p

George Strait with “I Got A Car” revs up two, #25 - #23 p

Eric Paslay with “Song About A Girl” hops up two, #26 - #24 p

Brantley Gilbert with “Small Town Throwdown” is up two, #27 - #25 p

Hot County Songs

** No.1 (6 weeks) / Streaming Gainer ** “This Is How We Roll” Florida Georgia Line feat Luke Bryan Luke Bryan

** Airplay Gainer ** No.4 “My Eyes” Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastion

** Digital Gainer ** No.37 “Feelin’ It” Scotty McCreery

** Hot Shot Debut ** No.45 “Broken Windshield View” Chris Lane

Debut No.48 “It’z Just What We Do” Florida Georgia Line

Debut No.49 “Best Night Ever” Gloriana

Debut No.50 “Like A Cowboy” Randy Houser

Billboard Country Airplay Chart Week of June 28, 2014

Brett Eldredge claimed his second consecutive leader on Billboard’s Country Airplay tally with “Beat of the Music” (Atlantic/Warner Music Nashville), which logged 46.863 million audience impressions (+0.389; up 1%) and received 7,353 radio plays (+211) during the June 9-15 tracking week. 

The song co-written by Brett Eldredge, Ross Copperman and Heather Morgan  was first released on Sept 30, 2013. It’s a feel-good, catchy and oh-so-summery hit. The music video for the song was filmed in Staniel Cay in the Bahamas (>> Official Video)

Eldredge celebrated his first chart-topper with “Don’t Ya,” which spent the first of two weeks at No. 1 on the Aug. 24, 2013 list. Reigning in its 38th chart week, “Music” reached the summit five weeks faster than “Don’t” (which completed the fourth-slowest No.1 ascent in the chart’s 24-year history). He charted a pair of mid-charting hits in 2011, led by his No.23-peaking debut entry "Raymond"

Top local audience penetration for “Music” during the tracking week were: KKBQ Houston (1.8 million impressions), WUSN Chicago (1.6 million), KKGO Los Angeles (1.2 million), WNSH New York (1 million) and KPLX Dallas (1 million). Eldredge’s No. 1s are the second and third singles from his debut album, BRING YOU BACK, which has sold 108,000 units since its August 2013 release, with a #2 Billboard Country album peak. As of the tracking week ending June 8, “Don’t Ya” has sold 972,000 downloads, while “Music” has shifted 456,000 to date.

• Joe Nichols scored his 10th Country Airplay top 10 with his fastest climb into the upper region in eight years, as “Yeah” (Red Bow) stepped 11-10 in its 23rd chart week. He most recently graced the top 10 when “Sunny and 75” crowned the Dec. 14, 2013 chart. His fastest top 10 ascent was 13 weeks with “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” (2005)! “Yeah” has sold 256,000 downloads so far.
• Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastian with "My Eyes" (6-4) took home “Most Increased Audience” honours logging 40.277 million audience impressions, a gain of +4.261 million and landed 6,363 radio plays (+640)
•  Miranda Lambert duet with Carrie Underwood with “Somethin’ Bad” moved 33-28 and bagged the weeks “Most Added” trophy  receiving 1,444 radiuo plays (+554) thanks to 23 fresh radio commitments (ADDS).
• Newcomer Sam Hunt, a native of Cedartown, GA, snared the Hot Shot Debut at No.53 with “Leave the Night On” (MCA Nashville), which collected 1.1 million audience impressions (up 225%). Hunt’s debut marks the highest in nearly a year for a previously unknown rookie with no prior chart history. The last such act to bow so high was Cole Swindell, who entered at No.52 with “Chillin’ It” (Aug. 10, 2013), which eventually peaked at No. 2 (March 8). Hunt arrives on the chart following a college football career — he was a quarterback at the University of Alabama Birmingham — and as the co-writer of hits by other artists, including Kenny Chesney’s “Come On Over,” Keith Urban’s “Cop Car” and Billy Currington’s “We Are Tonight.”

Women of Country 2014 Watch:

Miranda Lambert at No.8 ("Automatic") was the lone solo female artist in the Top 30 Country Airplay songs.

Cassadee Pope #34, Kacey Musgraves #36, Jana Kramer #49, Danielle Bradbery #51, Leah Turner #54 and Sheryl Crow #57, , were an additional six solo females in the remaining 31-60 slots, to make it 11.6% of the entire Top 60 chart.

Country Airplay

*** No.1 (1 week) *** "Beat Of The Music" Brett Eldredge

** “Most Increased Audience ** No. 4 "My Eyes" Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastian

** Most Added ** No.28 “Somethin’ Bad” Miranda Lambert duet with Carrie Underwood

** Hot Shot Debut ** No.53 "Leave The Night On" Sam Hunt

Debut No.59 "Somewhere In My Car" Keith Urban

Debut No.60 "I Can't Wait (Be My Wife)" Ben Rue

Billboard Country Digital Singles Chart Week of June 28, 2014

• There was no movement with the Top 5 and no Top 30 debuts. Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan with “This Is How We Roll" logged its fifth non consecutive week at No.1 (106,000 sales; down 18%) and on the overall all genre Hot Digital Songs chart at #10 the song reached its highest ranking to date.
• Former #1 Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood’s “Somethin’ Bad” rebounded 12-7 with sales up 39% with a 4-week tally of  207,000K

Women Of Country Watch

Miranda Lambert with single "Automatic" re-entered at No.21 as the ONLY solo female artist on the Top 30 placings:

Miranda Lambert duet with Carrie Underwood and former #1 “Something Bad” moved up 12-7 in its fourth week

Dropping off the Top 30:

29-31 Eric Church “Give Me Back My Hometown”

Top 30 Digital Singles in Country Music (published June 19, 2014)

 (LW) Last Week  (TW) This Week

*Numbers are rounded to nearest 1000^th

Country Aircheck/ Mediabase chart

Brett Eldredge landed the No1 on Mediabase with “Beat Of The Music” (Atlantic/WMN) moving 3-1. The song logged 7,650 radio spins (+295) and 58.036 million audience impressions (+ 0.778 million) from 149 tracking stations for the tracking week June 8 to June 14, 2014 and published chart June 16th.

Its congratulations to Kevin Herring, Kristen Williams, Katie Bright and the entire Warner Music Nashville promotion team for nabbing this week’s #1 spot on the MEDIABASE Country singles chart with “Beat Of The Music.” The single is Brett's second consecutive chart-topper, following “Don’t Ya,” which hit #1 in August 19, 2013.

Congratulations to UMG Nashville SVP/Promotion Royce Risser, MCA Nashville VP/Promotion Van Haze and their entire promo team for earning 50 MEDIABASE Country adds on Sam Hunt’s "Leave The Night On." Also congrats to Big Machine VP/Promotion Jack Purcell and his entire promo team who also earned 50 MEDIABASE Country adds on Rascal Flatts’

“Payback.” Those adds gave both Sam Hunt and Rascal Flatts the "Most Added" title for this week. Bagels were due to be delivered to the MCA and Big Machine offices (June 17th) to congratulate the staff on their achievement.

For a detailed report check out Country Aircheck Weekly Issue 401 - June 16, 2014 [PDF File]

For the very latest up to the minute Mediabase Chart (Past 7 Days) go here - www.mediabase.com

Billboard Boxscores (Selective Country concerts)

Rank Artist: #2

Event Venue City/State: George Strait, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Asleep at the Wheel AT&T Stadium Arlington, Texas

Dates: June 7, 2014  Gross Sales: $18,194,374  Attend: 104,793/ 104,793 SOLD OUT

Capacity Shows: 1/1 Sellouts Prices: $250, $199, $147.50, $25

Promoters:  The Messina Group/AEG Live

Rank Artist: #485

Event Venue City/State: First Aid Kit Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre Montreal, Quebec

Dates: June 7, 2014  Gross Sales: $15,261   Attend: 748/ 775

Capacity Shows: 1/0 Sellouts Prices: $22.28, $20.13

 Promoters: evenko/Greenland Productions

Rank Artist: #699

Event Venue City/State: Charlie Worsham Knitting Factory Spokane, Wash.

Dates: April 18, 2014 Gross Sales: $1,936  Attend: 176/ 900 (724 unsold tickets)

Capacity Shows: 1/0 Sellouts Prices: $11  Promoters: Knitting Factory Presents

Country Music needs Taylor Swift more than she does

How Taylor Swift helped to raise the profile on country music

Taylor leaving Country Music to make a "Swift" exit, well possibly?

This Blog post is an answer to the Saving Country Music.com article which has been circulating on the internet which has met with very mixed opinions with some country “fans” claiming Taylor Swift was never a country artist in the first place!

We take a look at her career achievements, praise from others and how she helped to raise the profile of country music on an international level.

Why you Gotta Be So Mean?
Taylor Swift  Performed "Mean" at  the 46th Annual ACM Awards April 2011

I think one of the things that I’m happiest with, in the last year, is the acceptance level in country music for me experimenting and for me trying to evolve and challenge myself musically," Taylor Swift explained. "I think it’s never felt better to be on that stadium stage performing knowing that everyone’s been so welcoming of change." (Country Aircheck News)

“Taylor Swift is a pop singer. But she really helped country music. When she hit, I was thinking, Thank God Taylor’s out there to show people we’re not cheesy. Some people still think that country music is twangy and cheesy, and they pigeonhole us. But I thought if they’re looking for Taylor’s videos or songs, they might see or hear other people they like. If her fans are watching for her, they might like me too.”  - Miranda Lambert (quoted interview with W Magazine 2012)

"I like Taylor Swift. I like listening to her …I kind of like watching her respond to all the attacks. I like the ways she's defining herself” - Neil Young (Quoted from a June 2011 press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame - Neil Young Gives Props to Taylor Swift )

Taylor Swift has straddled a thin line between country and pop music up until 2012′s RED, which more or less marked the completion of her transformation from a country songstress to an International Pop superstar cumulating in 5 sold out shows on her RED Tour at London’s iconic O2 Arena on Feb. 1-2, 4, 10-11, 2014 grossing $5,829,240 when playing to 74,740 fans as a headliner in her own right (previously in the US she has opened for country stars Keith Urban, George Strait and Kenny Chesney)

In terms of the American market there were enough songs on RED to qualify as a “Country” release whilst in the UK the album and previous set FEARLESS were discounted from the Official UK Country chart , although several tracks still continue to sprinkle the Top 20 UK Country iTunes Singles chart (currently “I Knew You Were Trouble” is #12) at a time when Taylor has been absent from any Billboard charts the last 4 weeks.

RED has been deemed a huge commercial success yet it is her worst selling album to date. It was the saving grace for country music sales in the last quarter of 2012 with 1 in 5 albums purchased was a RED one! After its Oct 22, 2012 release by week 9 it had sold 275,508 copies (+25%) with a 2,866,047 total by Dec 27th.

Singles “Begin Again” reached #3, title cut “Red” #7 and “All Too Well” peaked at  #58  US Billboard Country Airplay charts with "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" having a very long 10 week No.1, on Hot Country Songs Chart giving her the third-longest reign since the methodology makeover. Other singles released charted well away from country on the all genre Hot 100 chart.

Taylor Swift dividing opinion

It was the single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" that seemed to result in a backlash from the country purists. Some UK country DJ’s starting referring to the Billboard Country Airplay chart top 5 and away from Hot Country Songs as a result. 

Listeners comments could be heard complaining about having to hear it – “More James Hand and less Taylor Swift, guess who thought the Taylor Swift track was awful and nothing to do with country” was a typical response from a nostalgic traditional fan on Keith Greentree’s BBC Radio Norfolk show who himself said -  “Stay, Stay" that was the most country'ish track I could find on there, I think she's gone teeny-bopper, that's up to her” with Steve Cherelle on BBC Radio Essex after spinning "WANEGBT" as the #1 one song saying "some of them are fabulous and others AREN'T”.

There are still some local BBC country presenters who have never played Taylor and several were a year behind BBC Radio 2’s Alex Lester in introducing her to their country audience mostly via the single >> “Love Story”, somewhat reluctantly, rather like them having to make a trip to the dentist.

Taylor is ranked #81 on BBC Radio 1 (specialising in current popular music and chart hits) with 1,126 spins with Swift's Electro-pop dubstep experimentation “I Knew You Were Trouble” (a #2 UK Single) receiving the most spins (273) followed by Pop/ Country “ We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” (UK #4 single) 248 spins and country/pop smash hit “Love Story” (UK #2 Single) getting 167 plays. "Love Story" has sales of over 8 million copies sold.

On the nations “most Listened too” station BBC Radio 2 (current audience 15.2 million; broadcasting of general musical genres) Taylor ranks at #98 with 634 spins with “Love Story” coming out top with 158 plays followed by “Red” (154). Her must recent playlisting was >> “Everything Has Changed” feat. Ed Sheeran (#7 UK Single) which they made Record of the Week in June 2013.

Taylor with Bob (centre) , Trudy (L) & Miles Harris (R)
Nashville Bridgestone Concert - Sept 2013

BBC Radio 2’s “country king” Bob Harris (OBE) has played Taylor’s songs 15 times, six of which were part of a live Radio 2 broadcasts concert at Abbey Road in 2011. 

Since the release of her Country/Country Pop eponymous debut in Oct 24, 2006 (#81 UK album) it took Harris over 2 years to play her with “Our Song” on his 6th Nov 2008 show then a 3 year gap till he played “Mean” from SPEAK NOW (#6 UK album) and “Ours” live from the recorded CMA Awards. 

In Oct 6, 2013 Bob described  Taylor Swift's massive Nashville RED Tour concert at the Bridgestone Arena as "Spectacular, spectacular stuff" and that “The Taylor Swift concert - one of my favourite gigs ev-ER! - Image  

He became friends with Tay’s label head / Big Machine’s CEO with this tweet:

 Bob Harris @WhisperingBob  My friend @scottborchetta Twitter Pic

RED has to date spent 70 weeks on Official UK Albums Top 100 and Taylor’s building of an International profile has helped to raise country music’s brand and commercial sales in territories away from America. It has sparked visits from major name country league players such as Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley and Eric Church. Before the C2C Country To Country 2014 London 2 day festival in their article “Detwanging country music: how Nashville took the UK” The Guardian newspaper wrote:

“Thanks to Taylor Swift, TV show Nashville and Radio 2, country music has never been more popular in Britain”. Bob Harris making reference to a bias to a more younger audience at the festival has referring to it as a “Tipping Point Moment” and that the “switch has been flicked”

According to a new story in a recent issue of Rolling Stone, Swift's label head Scott Borchetta admitted she's working with Martin on her fifth studio album, and that he worked on "most of" the effort and that it continues her pop transformation.

"Taylor fans are going to love it," said Borchetta. "Will country stations play a complete pop song because it's her? No. But when she comes to town, her friends at country radio will come and see her."

Halifax, Yorkshire born and Framlingham, Suffolk native pop star Ed Sheeran who had the privilege of joining the crossover artist for her Red Tour for six months says we can expect a lot of just Swift on her upcoming album - “I don’t think she’s teamed up with anyone; I think she did it all on her own,” he told MTV, adding, “It’s really good.” Sheeran says that fans shouldn’t expect her new music to be a ‘Red’ Part II — “she’s growing and evolving into something different”. “She has to evolve,” he explains. “If she makes another ‘Red’ everyone will be like, ‘It sounds like ‘Red.’‘ But she’s evolved and I think it’s a positive step.”

Taylor recently said wrote quoting author C.S. Lewis: "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." With a 5th studio album in the works she said it is - "already my favorite thing that I’ve ever created” 

Country Music's biggest names honour Taylor Swift

Perhaps Taylor’s presentation with the Pinnacle Award during the 2013 The 47th Annual CMA Awards was a first step of her departure from the country “genre” and the country industry way of thanking her for what she has done and achieved.

Fans who were hoping that the Top 40 friendly Red was just a phase for Tay might be disappointed by her upcoming fifth studio album, with a hinting that the “Love Story” artists record could be her poppiest work to date.

American based Country Music blog Saving Country Music (Which promote and disseminate information about REAL country music) has run with a Taylor Swift Leaving Country Music? posting: Welp, that’s that. Gauging from the comments made in Rolling Stone‘s current country music special edition by the CEO of Big Machine Records aka the Country Music Antichrist Scott Borchetta, we can now put a period at the end of Taylor Swift’s pop country career. Finito. Done. End of story. Taylor Swift’s country run is in the books, and she’s now a pop star exclusively....there’s no guarantee country music is willing to play ball with Taylor Swift’s departure…Country music needs Taylor Swift, and it will be unwilling to forfeit the opportunity to have her sales and touring force fall under its umbrella without a fight. If Taylor Swift is truly leaving country, it’s hard to declare a victory for country music here, or for Taylor Swift. Without the support of country, and with the presence of Max Martin, there’s likely going to be a lot less trophies adorning Taylor’s mantle. At the same time Taylor Swift is now free to do what she wants …. or what Max Martin wants to do with her. Read more at Saving Country Music.com

These are some of the comments to the article:

• She had the opportunity to be a respected country artist. When pop is sick of her she better not come crawling back to the genre that she rode to the top and dirted.
• An artist can be bigger than a genre, but the country genre certainly doesn’t need Taylor Swift anymore than they needed Hank Sr. or Patsy Cline when they died.
• My big inquiry is, was Swift ever truly Country? I do not claim to be a connoisseur to her music, but from my limited exposure to her, she fits in to the modern diva country formula: She’s extremely kind to the eyes, and she has a sweet voice. But such was Faith Hill. I saw no “country” in her music either.
• I’ve been a country music fan since 2006, I was 16 back then. Truthfully, country music is more a community recently than it has been a genre. Taylor provided the much needed boost in country music. I went to her concert in Indonesia, and I was awed with her performance of the Grammy award winning song “Mean

Here in the UK the article was shared by Internet radio station 2Country.net with their listeners weighing in (read all the Facebook comments here:

• She was never country to begin with. she was a major catalyst in the downfall of real country.
• Promise ? Not country to me , don't think I will miss her at all.
• Was never country in the first place now hopefully real country singers will get recognition.
• Her idea of country as well as the rest of Nashville is not my idea of country so I won't miss her
• Who labelled her country in the first place?
• She never was country.
• Happy wooooppppp

 When her 5th album is released, and if she is no longer tagged as “country” in America, the country album sales, already down by 25% so far in 2014 will look in a truly sorry state by the year end and without a single album released in 2014, charting on the Billboard Country album frames, able to sell 1-million copies.

Taylor has driven the sales of albums and singles, country news, graced the covers of countless magazines, been the TV audience biggest draw at the country awards and generously donated to numerous causes. Despite all this most times certain “country fans” continue to throw dirt from back roads in her direction, with some comments very abusive and happens on numerous occasions the popular website  Taste Of Country  post anything concerning her!      

Taylor, Lady A are often cited by the younger UK country acts and newcomers as an influence and inspiration.

Hail Taylor”! Back in America Memphis native Lucy Hale a newcomer to country music, venturing from her successful acting career into her greatest passion: music. She praises country star Taylor Swift for pioneering the path that Hale’s now walking, saying the ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ singer made it all right to talk about your problems.  “Taylor’s untouchable. She made country quote-unquote ‘cool.’

Country needs Taylor more than she needs a Country home

24-year old (Born Dec 13, 1989) Miss Swift grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Wyomissing, Pa., but had Nashville dreams in her sight by age 11. That year, she delivered demos to every major label on Music Row, but no one would give her a shot … until Scott Borchetta called at age 15. He signed her to his fledgling Big Machine Records label, and they released “Tim McGraw” in June 2006.

As a 16-year-old she made her Country Music Awards debut with a >> poignant ode to love in the time of Tim McGraw. Transitioning into the song's bridge, she then walked into the crowd and serenades McGraw and wife Faith Hill with the final chorus. Concluding with an introduction, she sticks out her hand and says "Hi, I'm Taylor."

Success didn’t take long. Swift’s third single "Love Story" was her first No.1, and since then, every release except one has gone Platinum. She’s sold over 20 million records worldwide while becoming the most successful touring artist in country music.

Faith Hill's 'Behind the Music' inspired Taylor to pursue country music and includes her in her top 3 music idols along with Shania Twain and Tom Petty. She says because they’re all authentically who they are.

"My favorite person in Nashville is Faith Hill," Swift told Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. "She's been my idol since I saw her on both VH1 and CMT when I was about 10. I loved how she was taking country music to bigger audiences, and her grace in the spotlight. Since I put out my first album, Faith has been a welcoming and warm presence in my life, time after time. She sends flowers on my birthday and sent me cookies when I got sick."

Taylor Swifts Country Music Achievements

2007

• (Feb 2007) - Just a year previous, Taylor Swift was sitting in her high school classes, hoping the day would come when she would be a recording artist. As a 17-year-old she received a GOLD album plaque, which recognizes sales reaching the 500-thousand mark, for her self-titled debut CD at a party in Nashville. During the event the then “country newcomer” admitted that she turned down her label's offer to do something to mark the release of the album, opting instead to wait until she had a more significant milestone to commemorate. It didn't take long for Swift's album to earn a Gold certification,. She released the disc, which features her breakthrough single "Tim McGraw," in late October 2006. The singer has been promoting her album on the road as an opening act on George Strait's tour.
• Taylor Swift was the top ranking country artist on MySpace.
• She became the only female artist in country music history to write or co-write every song on a platinum selling debut.
• Although only 17, she toured with Brad Paisley and joined Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's "Soul2Soul 2007" tour for several dates.
• (10th June 2007) Her self-titled debut album was certified PLATINUM by the RIAA. The country music sensation was surprised with an official Platinum plaque presented by RIAA Sr. Director of Artist & Industry Relations John Henkel at CMA Music Festival on Sunday, June 10th. The presentation took place at the Big Machine Records booth so that Taylor could share the special moment with her fans.
• Her debut single, "Tim McGraw", became a Top 5 Country hit and a GOLD selling digital single.
• AOL Music lists Taylor as the "Hottest Female" in country music today
• (8 Nov 2007) Taylor won the Country Music Association (CMA) Horizon Award.
• She began a six-week reign on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with “Our Song” from the chart dated Dec. 22, 2007

2008

• She was the top selling albums artist for all genres with 4,003,000 albums sold.
• "Love Story" became Swift's first number one on Billboard Pop Songs, marking the highest peak by a country song on the chart since Shania Twain's "You're Still the One". September 12, 2008.

2009

• (CALGARY, Alberta  9 July 2009) Taylor Swift doesn't care if people think of her as pop or country or what-not. She told the Calgary Herald that when she writes a song, she doesn't "think about genre, or what radio station would play it." Instead, she says the only thing she thinks about is the person she's "writing the song to." Swift says for her, "music is very confessional." She said she uses it to say things she "would be afraid to say to someone's face." And, she said she thought "the feeling of needing to tell someone something is a universal feeling."
• (3 Aug 2009) Her two albums, TAYLOR SWIFT and FEARLESS spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums sales chart. The only other country artists to have achieved the feat were Garth Brooks and Shania Twain.
• (August 21, 2009) FEARLESS earned 14 gold and platinum certifications around the world. The album approached quadruple-platinum status in the U.S. for shipments of 4 million units. In addition, was certified triple-platinum in Australia (210,000 units) and Canada (240,000), as well as platinum in Singapore (12,000), New Zealand (15,000), Ireland (15,000), Indonesia (150,000), Malaysia (20,000) and Taiwan (14,000). Gold certifications came from the United Kingdom (double gold for 200,000), Norway (15,000), South Africa (20,000), Hong Kong (15,000) and the Philippines (15,000).
• Swift was scheduled to perform at Wembley Arena in London on Nov 23rd.
• (13 Nov 2009) Country Music Assn. voters largely turned their back on tradition in anointing the teenage country-pop star Taylor and a whole slate of relative newcomers with most of its top honors at the CMA Awards ceremony in Nashville.
  The CMA bypassed long-serving veterans including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban in selecting Swift the youngest recipient ever of its top honor, Entertainer of the Year, an award meant for the musician who exhibits the most impressive all-around performance during the preceding year. By that criteria, it was hard to argue with their choice: The 19-year-old had sold more than 10 million albums in the three years since she released her debut, making her the biggest thing in country and pop music. Swift won all four categories in which she was nominated, taking home trophies for Album of the Year (FEARLESS) , Female Vocalist and Music Video (“Love Story”). She also took home a fifth trophy at the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards when Brooks & Dunn presented her with International Artist Achievement Award. (Previous recipients for the honour included Keith Urban, Dwight Yoakam, Dixie Chicks). "What Taylor has done for country music inside the United States is amazing in itself, but what she has done for the format internationally is outstanding," Tammy Genovese, the CMA's CEO, stated. "She recognizes the importance of taking her music around the globe, and in doing so, has become a  phenomenal ambassador for country music. She is very deserving of this award."
• (Nov 22, 2009) Taylor Swift took home five awards at the American Music Awards including Artist of the Year. She also won favourite female artist in the pop/rock and country categories, country album and adult-contemporary artist.
• She grabbed 8 Grammy nominations and launched her own headlining tour after opening for Keith Urban.
• She ended the year with the best-selling album of 2009  (Susan Boyle put up a strong challenge) as FEARLESS (released Nov 11, 2008) sold 3.2 million copies in America during 2009.

2010

• (Jan 2010) Named as the top-selling digital artist in history with over 24 million digital tracks sold.
  (31 Jan 2010) At  52nd Annual Grammy Awards in the country categories FEARLESS won Album Of The Year (beating off George Strait's "Twang," Zac Brown Band's "The Foundation," Keith Urban's "Defying Gravity" and Lee Ann Womack's "Call Me Crazy.")  Taylor’s "White Horse” (co-written with Liz Rose) won Best country song (beating out All I Ask For Anymore  (Trace Adkins), High Cost Of Livin (Jamey Johnson); I Run To You  (Lady Antebellum) and People Are Crazy  (Billy Currington). She also won Best Female Country Vocal solo for “White Horse”.

• (March 19) Six-times-platinum FEARLESS was recognized as the most-awarded album in the history of country music at a private dinner in Nashville. The disc was the only album in history to win the all-genre Album of The Year Grammy, plus Country Album of the Year Awards from the Grammys, the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the American Music Awards.
• Representatives from NARAS, The American Music Awards, The Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music all joined Big Machine Records Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta for a group presentation honouring Swift for her achievement. Swift was also honoured for: More than 13 million in total record sales; More than 25 million digital downloads; The 6X platinum (6 million) certification of "Fearless" as the number 1 selling album in the U.S. in both 2008 and 2009; The 5X platinum (5 million) certification of "Taylor Swift" and the #1 and #2 positions atop Nielsen's BDS 2009 Top 10 Most Played Songs chart (all genres), with You Belong With Me and Love Story.
• (June 13, 2010) Held a 13-hour meet and greet with her fans, about 10,000 came through at the event during the Country Music Association Music Festival, the Swift event was free and open to the public.
• (Sept 2010) FEARLESS was not only Platinum in the US but it also went platinum in Canada, Russia & Australia.
• (Nov 3, 2010) Taylor Swift's third album cracked the million-unit mark during its first week of sale in the United State. It was the biggest opening tally in more than five years with the country-pop star selling 1,047,000 copies of SPEAK NOW (released Oct 25, 2010) during the week ended October 31. It  logged the second-largest sales week of any country album since 1991. Only Garth Brooks' 1998 effort "Double Live" moved more, when it started with 1,085,000. Thus, Swift also achieved the biggest sales week of any female country act since 1991. Previously, the high-water mark was set by fellow crossover diva Shania Twain when her "Up!" started with 874,000 at No. 1 in 2002.
•  (December 7, 2010) SPEAK NOW was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, signifying sales of 3 million units.

2011

• (March) Taylor Swift had officially sold over 20 Million albums, 10 million of which were sold in previous 18 months a huge industry milestone! Her achievement was announced just before the sold-out final show in London, wrapping up the overseas leg of her massively successful Speak Now World Tour 2011.
• (March 29, 2011) Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers were to receive special honours from the Academy of Country Music. Swift will be given the Jim Reeves International Award for her contributions to the acceptance of country throughout the world. The 5th Annual ACM Honors took place on Sept. 19, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.
• (April) Taylor won Entertainer of The Year at  2011 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and performed >> “Mean” live 
• (June 2011) She  invited nine newer guys in country music to open for her on her Speak Now tour.  She chose Hunter Hayes (then aged 19) , Frankie Ballard, Charlie Worsham, David Nail, Adam Brand, Randy Montana, James Wesley, Danny Gokey and Josh Kelley after surfing MySpace and Facebook pages and the new artist lists on record label websites.  She went with her gut feeling and she says they all “have songs about relationships and love that pulled me in.”

·    (24 June 2011) During a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame, rock legend Neil Young confessed his fascination for his fellow songwriter. "I like Taylor Swift. I like listening to her," Neil said. "I kind of like watching her respond to all the attacks. I like the ways she's defining herself. So I keep my eye on it." Much like Taylor, who has experienced an unprecedented level of crossover success, Neil prefers to push boundaries creatively, and resists the industry's desire to pigeonhole him into one particular genre. "I don't like boundaries," said the 'Harvest Moon' singer.

• (1 Sept 2011) Taylor donated $150,000 to the Tuscaloosa City Schools' Disaster Relief Fund to benefit the schools impacted by the April 27th tornado. She raised the money by opening the final dress rehearsal of her "Speak Now" summer tour in May to fans as a fund-raiser for the victims of the storm.
• (Sept 7, 2011) She was named the recipient of the 2011 Harmony Award, which is presented annually by the Nashville Symphony to an individual who exemplifies the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s thriving musical community. "We are proud to call our home Music City, and Taylor Swift is the perfect person to receive this award, because she has contributed so tremendously to promoting this amazing community of which we are all a part," said Alan Valentine, CEO/President of the Nashville Symphony. At their 27th annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, Dec 10th  Scott Borchetta, owner of Big Machine Records, gave a heartfelt tribute to Swift, which inspired a standing ovation for the artist as she stepped forward to receive the award. (see Photo)
• (Nov 2011) Taylor Swift won the top award at Country Music Association Awards, earning the coveted Entertainer of the Year honour (presented to her by Reba McEntire). She became the second woman to win Entertainer twice at the CMAs, joining Barbara Mandrell. She beat out Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban for the 2011 title.
• Taylor and Adele dominated the 2011 American Music Awards walking away with three trophies each. The “Love Story hit maker” ruled the country music categories, taking home the Favourite Female Artist accolade and Favourite Album for Speak Now, as well as the coveted Artist of the Year honour.

2012

CCMA
Generation Award

• According to the People’s Choice Awards website she won for Favorite Country Artist
• (Jan 2012) SPEAK NOW was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA for shipments of 4 million units.
• (Feb 12, 2012) At the 54th Annual Grammy Awards ‘Mean’ (written by Taylor Swift) won Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance
• Taylor a native of Wyomissing did her part to encourage literacy among the youth of America donating 2000 books to the early literacy program at Reading Hospital Child Health Center’s the hospital in which she was born. In 2011 she donated 14,000 books to the Nashville Public Library, which were placed in circulation and gifted to low-income families.
• Taylor Swift‘s ‘Ronan’ and Tim McGraw‘s ‘Live Like Your Were Dying’ were two of the select songs performed during a ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ TV special. Both country stars were clearly moved by the overwhelmingly emotional hour of television.
• (Sept 9, 2012) at the Canadian Country Music Awards 2012 Taylor was a gracious recipient of the first-ever Generation Award, given to an artist who has pushed country music into new territory - Blog Link
• With 10 weeks non-consecutive weeks at  No.1, on Hot Country Songs Chart  Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” (released August 13, 2012) boasts the third-longest reign since the methodology makeover starting from the chart frame issued Oct 20, 2010.
• In Nov she performed >> “Begin Again” with one of the top highlights at the 2012 CMA Awards.
• She toured throughout 2011 and early 2012 in support of SPEAK NOW Tour. As part of the thirteen-month, 111-date world tour, Swift played seven shows in Asia, twelve shows in Europe, 80 shows in North America and twelve shows in Australasia. Swift invited many musicians to join her for one-off duets during the North American tour (Included James Taylor, Shawn Colvin, Selena Gomez, Nelly, Flo Rida to country artists Ronnie Dunn, Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney)
• She sold more than 1.2 million copies of her album RED (released Oct 22, 2012) in its first week out. Q4 2012 sales was bolstered by the release of RED album and Jason Aldean’s Night Train, which added a combined 4.1 million to 2012’s quarterly country albums total.

2013

• (June 2013) "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and "22" weren’t Swift's most country-ish hits, but her fans and the country music community remain loyal. I think one of the things that I’m happiest with, in the last year, is the acceptance level in country music for me experimenting and for me trying to evolve and challenge myself musically," she explained. "I think it’s never felt better to be on that stadium stage performing knowing that everyone’s been so welcoming of change." (Country Aircheck News)
• Taylor taught a generation of kids to appreciate country music over the last five years. She donated $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to make sure that education continues. The gift was the largest given to the museum by an artist and the second largest from an individual, officials said. It will fund the Taylor Swift Education Center, an exhibit and classroom space scheduled to open in 2014. Taylor has a long history with the Country Music Hall of Fame, she signed her record contract there, in 2005, as a teenager, and gave one of her first public performances on the buildings plaza.
• (Nov) Taylor Swift was presented with the Pinnacle Award during “The 47th Annual CMA Awards” . It recognizes an artist who has achieved both national and international prominence through concert performances and record sales at levels unique in Country Music. The artist has also attained the highest degree of recognition within the broad expanse of music worldwide. The artist’s talent and presence will have a long-term positive impact on the appreciation of Country Music for generations to come. The award created in 2005 and had only been given to one other artist: Garth Brooks. She also performed a specially arranged acoustic version of >> "Red" with Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss.
• Taylor Swift and George Strait were among big winners at the 10th annual Billboard Touring Awards at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York held on Nov 14th. The Top Package Award, honouring the top-grossing tour with three or more artists on the bill, went to  Swift’s Red Tour. The arena tour featured such acts as Ed Sheeran, Joel Crouse, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line and Casey James.
• (Dec 6, 2013) Taylor Swift grabbed nominations 56th Annual Grammy Awards in the Album of the Year and Best country album categories. Her song "Begin Again" was up for Best country song and she was nominated for best country duo/group performance category, thanks to "Highway Don't Care" recorded with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban.

•  (Dec.13) On Taylor's 24th birthday, the acclaimed star donated $100,000 to the Nashville Symphony, which had undergone some financial difficulties during the past year. "I would not be the same kind of person without Nashville," Taylor told The Tennessean. "It has shaped me into who I am."
• (Dec 29) She was named Tennessean of the Year by Nashville's daily newspaper for her generosity to the city and her positive role-model image as the main reasons for her selection.
• The North American leg of Swift's Red Tour ran from March to September 2013. She played 66 dates across North America, including 13 stadium shows. The Red Tour visited stadiums across New Zealand and Australia in December 2013, and visited England (London’s O2) and Germany in February 2014. The tour finished with a six-date Asian leg in June 2014. She invited special guests such as Carly Simon, Tegan and Sara, Jennifer Lopez, Ellie Goulding, Cher Lloyd, Gary Lightbody and country artists Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes joined her in Nashville.

2014

(Feb 20, 2014) Although nominated RED didn't win at the Grammys or the Country Music Assn. Awards the album accomplished topping the 4 million mark in U.S. sales. All four of Taylor Swift's studio albums have reached that threshold:

Swift's eponymous debut album has sold 5,419,000 copies since its release in 2006.

"Fearless" has sold 6,818,000 copies since its release in 2008.

"Speak Now" has sold 4,405,000 since its release in 2010.

Swift is just the third artist to top the 4-million mark with his or her first four studio albums since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking music sales in 1991. She follows Garth Brooks (who did it with his first five non-holiday studio albums) and Eminem. Swift's achievement is all the more remarkable because the album sales market has been shaky throughout her career. By contrast, it was strong when Brooks released his first album in 1989.

All 5 of Swift’s albums to chart on Billboard Country Album charts are now Billboard Catalog Titles 

Catalog Chart History - Taylor Swift:

BB200 = Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.

1. The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection (44 weeks, Peak #1, Years on chart 2008-13) (BB200: 4 weeks, Peak #46, Debut year 2007)

2. TAYLOR SWIFT (115 weeks, Peak #3, Years on chart 2010-2014) (Released Oct 24, 2006; BB200: 176 weeks, Peak #5 after a #19 debut, Debut year 2006; first week sales [chart Nov 11, 2006] 39,062 copies). Note: In the UK it sold only 38 copies the week of its release date, and peaked 94 weeks later at #81(12/09/2009) and has spent 3 weeks on the Official UK Album Chart.

3. FEARLESS (108 weeks, Peak #3, Years on chart 2011-13) (Released Nov 11, 2008; BB200: 116 weeks, Peak #1, Debut year 2008; first week sales [chart Nov 29, 2008] 592,304 copies (129,000 copies were digital) )

4. SPEAK NOW (44 weeks, Peak #2, Years on chart 2012-13) (Released Oct 25, 2010; BB200: 81 weeks, Peak #1, Debut year 2010; first week sales [chart Nov 13, 2010] 1,046,718 copies)

5. RED (1 week, Peak #45, Years on chart 2014) (Released Oct 22, 2012; BB200: 78 weeks, Peak #1, Debut year 2012; first week sales [chart Oct 31, 2012] 1,208,290 copies) Worldwide sales for RED at the end of 2013 were 5,707,000.

The combined country music sales both digital and physical are so far 25% down on 2013 with nearly half the year gone 

Will we see a Swift exit from the Country music scene (who now it seems is tenuously tied to the genre despite, going full circle (with a chart-topping duet with her idol Tim McGraw) when official news regarding her 5th studio album breaks?

In March 2013 when someone [Adam Levine: "I don't think Taylor Swift is really a country artist anymore”] tried to call Taylor Swift more of a pop artist than a country singer, Blake Shelton jumped to the defence of the genre: 

“We take ownership of Taylor Swift in country music.”

The question might be for now long?

 If she does the Country industry has a lot to thank her for visa-versa.

She brought country music to people who might never have listened to it otherwise,  don’t like the “twang” but just like what they hear.

Country music, in its purest form, should maybe not defined by its sound. It is defined by the fact that the songs tell stories, which numerous of Miss Taylor's songs do.

Note: The word “country” appears 157 times in this article.