Taylor Swift's Early Days as a National Anthem Singer in Pennsylvania
Before Taylor Swift became the global superstar and Grammy award-winner that she is today, she was just a young aspiring singer from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. In her formative years, Swift found herself strumming her guitar and performing as the opening act for various sporting events in town, including the U.S. Open, NASCAR races, and the World Series.
Being an unsigned artist at the time, Swift saw singing the national anthem as an opportunity to showcase her talent to large crowds. She sent her demo tapes to numerous venues, hoping for a break in her musical career. 'When I was 11 years old, it occurred to me that the national anthem was the best way to get in front of a large group of people if you don't have a record deal,' Swift once said in an interview with Rolling Stone. 'So I started singing the national anthem anywhere I possibly could.'
One notable connection Swift had in her early career was with the Philadelphia Phillies, both at the major league and minor league levels. In 2008, she had the opportunity to sing the anthem at Game 3 of the World Series, which the Phillies won on their way to their last championship. The performance took place in front of 45,900 fans. Swift also joined other Philadelphia luminaries, such as Patti LaBelle and John Oates, as anthem singers for the 2008 World Series.
But even before her World Series appearance, Swift made appearances closer to home. She performed at Reading Phillies Double-A games in 1999 and 2007, showcasing her talent to local baseball fans. On April 5, 2007, she donned cowboy boots and a knit hat while delivering a stripped-down version of the anthem on the grass behind home plate. Mascots like Change-Up the Turtle, Blooper the Hound Dog, and Bucky the Beaver stood with pride beside her as she waved triumphantly to the crowd.
Those who witnessed Swift's early anthem performances at Reading Phillies games couldn't help but notice her talent. Rob Hackash, who worked for the team in various capacities, described Swift as having 'mound presence,' meaning she commanded attention while performing. Hackash fondly remembers working with Swift's family, including her parents, Scott and Andrea, to secure her appearances. He recalls Scott's desire to have Taylor sing the anthem in front of a crowd and how her first Reading Phillies game was a stepping stone to sending recordings to the Philadelphia 76ers. Eventually, Swift did receive a call from the Sixers and sang the anthem at a game on April 5, 2002.
At just 12 years old, Swift took the center court dressed in an American flag sweatshirt and headband, captivating a crowd of 20,754 fans. The 76ers presented her with duffel bags full of souvenirs, including a jersey signed by team members. Swift expressed her excitement in an interview with The Reading Eagle, stating, 'My mom and I were just jumping up and down we were so excited. I just really love doing that sort of thing. It is an adrenaline rush.'
Being selected to perform the national anthem for the Philadelphia 76ers was a significant step in Swift's early career. It highlighted her powerful voice and talent at such a young age. Matt Cord, the voice of the 76ers as their public address announcer, remembers introducing her as a country star from Reading, Pennsylvania, during her performance.
Swift's Pennsylvania stadium roots have not been forgotten. In 2018, she filled the Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, for three consecutive nights, causing a fan frenzy. During one of the shows, Swift gave a shoutout to her hometown, saying, 'Guys, like, c'mon. I'm from Philly.' However, her allegiance now lies with Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs.
From singing the national anthem at local sporting events to filling stadiums worldwide, Taylor Swift's journey from an unsigned artist to a global superstar is a testament to her talent and perseverance. Her early days in Pennsylvania, performing for enthusiastic crowds, laid the foundation for her unprecedented success in the music industry.
