Binghamton University Professor Writes Book on Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is so famous that she is now a big part of college lessons and studies. As a matter of fact, a professor at Binghamton University, Phoebe Hughes, has a class called “Taylor Swift, 21C” that looks at Swift's music and style.

Hughes has also written a book called Cranking Up Taylor Swift: Her Musical Journey in 11 Songs, which will be out today, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The book will dive even deeper into how Swift has grown as an artist over time.

Global Icon and Industry Influence

Taylor Swift, a global music icon, has garnered recognition for her record-breaking achievements and cultural influence. She was named TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year and recently received the honor of the “Tour of the Century.”

Now, Swift's influence is extending through academia, with several universities offering courses on her songwriting, business strategies, and societal impact.

Hughes' Approach to the Book

Phoebe Hughes's book takes a deep dive into Swift’s career, analyzing key songs that define her musical journey. Each chapter dissects different themes, from her early country stardom to her transition into pop music, and explores Taylor Swift's business expertise and her impact on the perception of female artists in pop music. It is designed for both fans of Swift and individuals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of her music.

@binghamtonu When you find out your school is offering a Taylor Swift class next semester#taylorswift #antihero #binghamtonuniversity #college ♬ Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift

Personal Connection to Swift’s Music

As a longtime Swift fan, Hughes's personal experiences and attachment to Swift's music play a significant role in her writing. Hughes offers readers a special viewpoint. Her book talks about how Swift moved from country to pop music and explores the depth of her songwriting, showing how Swift's music career has changed over time.

Incorporating the Book into Academia

In the future, Phoebe Hughes plans to use her book in her class, “Taylor Swift, 21C,” so that students can learn various ways of writing about music. She is thrilled about the release of Cranking Up Taylor Swift: Her Musical Journey in 11 Songs, as it marks her debut as a published author and hopefully will lead to more books down the line.