20 Years Ago: Taylor Swift Made Her Louisiana Debut At CenturyTel Center
Its pretty hard to believe it has been 20 years since Bossier City helped launch the billion dollar career of Taylor Swift.
That's right, two decades ago, northwest Louisiana residents helped launch one of the biggest careers in music industry history...long before the international stadium tours began. No one knew what they were witnessing that night, but those who were in attendance can always claim a part of history.
A Tumblr post, an album release, and a replacement spot as an opener on a major tour...all coming together in Bossier City.
Taylor Swift's Early Days in Bossier City
This story really starts on October 14th, 2006...a rough day for some big names in country music. On that day, Rascal Flatts fired Eric Church from their Me & My Gang Tour. Over the following years, Rascal Flatts would explain that the issues were based on stage time, and Church's habit of overrunning his stage time. While Church felt like he was blacklisted after being fired, he eventually found his footing in the industry and became one of the brightest stars in country.
Just a couple of days later, on October 17th, 2006, Taylor Swift went to her Tumblr to announce that she was being added to the Rascal Flatts Me & My Gang Tour. Her first date on the tour would be on the 19th, in Omaha, and she listed Bossier City on that list.
Six days later, on October 24th, the music world was forever changed. Taylor Swift's self-titled debut album was released, and would go on to become 8-times Platinum.
After the release of the album, Swift would join Rascal Flatts for a date in Austin, and then on October 27th, 2006 Taylor Swift made her debut in Bossier City. Just her second performance after her album was released.
She walked onto the stage at the then CenturyTel Center as a 16-year-old replacement opening act for Rascal Flatts, just trying to win over a Louisiana audience. Now, she's a billionaire entertainment icon.
Taylor Swift Comes Back to Bossier City
She would continue to make multiple returns to Bossier City over the years, including some distinct tour stops. The 1989 World Tour stop remains a notable event in the history of the Brookshire Grocery Arena venue.
Her repeated performances prove the Shreveport-Bossier City area held a consistent place on her touring map. Her professional foundation in the 318 area code is a documented piece of music history. It has been 20 years since that first CenturyTel Center show...a milestone that highlights her journey from a teenager to a billionaire entertainer.