Taylor Swift’s journey to stardom with Big Machine Records owes a nod to Toby Keith[VIDEO]

In a newly uncovered video from 2005, Swift reflects on her crucial audition for the legendary singer, which paved her way to signing with the label. Taylor Swift’s meteoric rise in the music scene began with her 2006 debut album, a venture that interestingly intersects with the late Toby Keith’s career.

At 34, the “Anti-Hero” artist made her indelible mark with Big Machine Records, closely associated with Keith during its nascent stages.

Founded in 2005 by Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Records joined forces with Keith’s Show Dog-Universal Music, launching just as Swift, then 15, was making her Nashville debut with aspirations of landing a deal with the burgeoning label.

A 2005 clip from WSMV4 in Nashville captures Swift recounting her initial encounter with Keith under the auspices of Big Machine Records, and the awe of performing her compositions for him.

“There’s an undeniable presence when he’s in the room,” Swift shared. “It’s just overwhelming.” She continued, expressing her enduring reverence, “I can’t imagine ever not being awestruck by Toby Keith.”

WSMV4 reported Keith’s approval of Swift’s performance, leading to her signing with the label, highlighting their collaboration in this musical endeavor. Rolling Stone credits Borchetta’s significant role in Swift’s career, sparked by her 2004 performance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe.

The partnership between Big Machine Music and Keith’s Dog-Universal Music flourished briefly, with Borchetta advocating for a unified label identity in a CMT Insider interview. “Toby’s the flagship artist, and we’re set for an incredible journey with his influence and his vision,” Borchetta remarked.

The collaboration dissolved in 2006, yet Keith retained a stake in Big Machine Records, Rolling Stone notes.

Swift’s tenure with Big Machine Records yielded six albums, from Fearless in 2008 to Reputation in 2017, before her contract concluded in 2018. The subsequent acquisition of the label by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings, including Swift’s catalog rights, ignited a high-profile dispute, leading Swift to re-record her Big Machine discography.

Keith, who passed away at 62, was remembered by his family in a heartfelt social media announcement, acknowledging his dignified battle with stomach cancer since his diagnosis over two years prior.

“Toby Keith departed peacefully on Feb. 5, surrounded by loved ones,” the family stated. “He approached his battle with grace and bravery. We ask for respect for his family’s privacy at this time.”

Though Swift has yet to comment on Keith’s passing, tributes from peers like Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood have poured in. Shelton hailed Keith as “the toughest man I’ve ever known,” thanking him for his friendship and inspiration, asserting, “There will never be another Toby Keith.”

Underwood added, “We’ll miss you, Toby, but I’m confident you’re now in the presence of our Lord. Until we meet again, my friend.”