See Who Inspired Taylor Swift to Start Playing Guitar!

Plus, fall in love with five of her most iconic songs

Over the course of her career, Taylor Swift has inspired countless young women to pick up a guitar and start songwriting and performing. But did you ever wonder who inspired her?

That would be singer/songwriter Michelle Branch! 

The Arizona native rose to fame when she released her debut album in 2001, which featured amazing songs like “Everywhere” and “All You Wanted.” Michelle tells MTV News the adorable story about the first time she met Taylor.

“I turned a corner and she was standing there,” says Michelle. “She freaked out, like, ‘Oh my god, I’m a huge fan of yours. I learned all your songs. You’re one of the first people who made me want to play guitar.'”

How cool is that? “It’s crazy to see what she’s gone on to do,” adds Michelle. “And to know that I had some kind of hand in inspiring her early on.”

Listen to five of our fave songs by Michelle and you’ll totally see why she inspired Taylor! And maybe one day, Taylor will tell someone a story about how she inspired YOU!