All it took for Taylor Swift to go from small-town teen to a Grammy Award-winning singer was a guitar, some cowboy boots, and an incredible talent for writing relatable songs. Between her record-breaking albums and stadium-selling tours, she’s one of the biggest names in the industry for a reason.

preview for Taylor Swift’s Iconic Career Evolution

But her love life and friendships have made just as much of a mark on her fans—after all, most inspired the lyrics behind her biggest hits. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or a casual fan looking to learn something new, here’s a very detailed breakdown of Taylor’s meteoric rise to fame.