Taylor Swift "Person of the Year" #Music Monday

Every year Time Magazine announces their choice for “Person of the Year,” based on that person’s impact on the world throughout the year (my words). It’s a tradition that started in 1927, but it was “Man of the Year” until 1999 when Time turned it into a gender-neutral honor (can’t believe that took. until 1999!). Over the past years we’ve seen Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Pope Francis, and Greta Thunberg receive the honor.

And the #MeToo movement too. This year it’s Taylor Swift.

We have not seen many pop stars get the accolade before this year, but with the economic force that was Taylor Swift and her cultural impact this year it’s hard to deny. Her “Eras” tour has now topped $1billion in sales (biggest of any star ever) and along with “Barbie” and Beyonce she is credited with saving the U.S. economy this year. In the interview with Time Magazine, Taylor gives a big shoutout to Beyonce which is very gracious (because she too is a force!).

While I’m not that familiar with Taylor’s robust catalog (of which is also writes), I am deeply respectful of her talent, business acumen, work ethic, and values. Undeniable.

For this week’s #MusicMonday I celebrate all that is Taylor Swift as “Person of the Year” by highlighting one of her songs … a song that to my ear is a signature song for her. “Red.” The color red is a big asset to her brand from her signature lip color to many of her wardrobe and set designs. A good brand often owns a color (thinks UPS “Brown,” or Tiffany “Blue”). For Taylor it’s red (at least for me) …

I do a lot of marketing and communications for big consumer brands at my agency and I think Taylor Swift’s name has come up in meetings with each of those clients throughout the year. More so than any other pop culture person or moment. That’s a testament to her force in and of itself.

Congrats, Taylor. What a year! What impact! What inspiration!

What’s your experience? JIM