When did Taylor Swift first mention a musician in her lyrics?

Taylor Swift first mentioned a musician in her debut single 'Tim McGraw,' released in 2006.

Who was the first artist to collaborate with Taylor Swift?

Colbie Caillat was the first artist to collaborate with Taylor Swift, appearing on the song 'Breathe' in 2008.

Which Taylor Swift album has the most musician name drops?

The Tortured Poets Department album is reported to contain the most musician name drops.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Taylor Swift's Musician Name Drops: A Deep Dive

Taylor Swift's Musician Name Drops: A Deep Dive

21 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Taylor Swift's first musician mention was in her 2006 debut single 'Tim McGraw'.
Colbie Caillat was the first artist featured on a Swift track in 2008.
Swift's lyrics reference numerous artists, with TTPD containing the most name drops.

Taylor Swift's Musician Name Drops: A Deep Dive

Taylor Swift's songwriting has consistently woven in references to other musicians, a practice that began early in her career. Her very first single, "Tim McGraw," released in September 2006, included a direct lyrical tribute to the country star, capturing her high school admiration. This set a precedent for future work.

Swift's collaborative efforts also started early, with Colbie Caillat featuring on "Breathe" from Swift's 2008 album "Fearless." Since then, a diverse array of artists, including Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar, have lent their voices to her tracks, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal.