Music icon Taylor Swift gave 96-year-old Cyrus Porter, a Second World War veteran and big fan, an unforgettable Christmas surprise. She visited him, chatted, and performed a song. When she arrived, the family greeted her with cheers. After the excitement settled, she played "Shake It Off" on her acoustic guitar, turning the room into a lively singalong.
Swift started by wishing everyone a merry Christmas. She gave high fives to the children before speaking to Mr. Porter. She said, “My dad showed me a video of you saying you wanted to attend one of my concerts. I’m not sure when my next tour will be, so I thought I’d bring the concert to you. We can even take requests.”
Taylor’s parents were with her for the visit. During their chat, she told Mr. Porter that her grandfather had also fought in the Second World War. Mr. Porter, clearly moved, stood up and shared a quick story about his time in the war. Then, Swift picked up her guitar and performed a cheerful version of "Shake It Off." The kids danced, and the rest of the family joined in singing.
Advertisement
Chris Porter, a family member, shared a video of the touching moment. He praised Swift, saying she was a person of great character. He noted how she didn’t try to take the spotlight when she entered the room. Instead, she seemed genuinely thankful and moved by their warm welcome.
Fans were also impressed by Swift’s kindness when the video appeared online. Many commented on her down-to-earth personality and generosity. One said, “She truly cares about people. What a beautiful moment for the family.” Another added, “This made me tear up. The kindest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”
Swift often takes time to meet her fans and attends intimate events like this. For more of her music and updates, you can follow her Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Taylor Swift Makes a WWII Veteran’s Christmas Unforgettable
Written by:
Published
Taylor Swift, the pop icon known around the world, gave 96-year-old WWII veteran and superfan Cyrus Porter a Christmas he’ll never forget. Swift showed up at Porter’s house, surprising him and his family with a visit that had everyone cheering and ready for a memorable singalong of “Shake It Off.”
Swift didn’t just stop by to say hi; she came with a mission. After hearing that Porter dreamed of attending one of her concerts, Swift told him she’d instead bring the concert to his living room, promising a personal performance that would turn his home into a mini-concert venue.
Swift’s visit wasn’t just about music. She took the time to connect with Porter on a personal level, sharing stories about her own grandfather’s WWII service. Porter, energized and full of stories, shared his own wartime experiences, creating a unique bond over their family histories.
Armed with her acoustic guitar, Swift performed an energetic version of “Shake It Off,” getting the whole family involved. The younger family members danced, and everyone sang along, creating a moment of pure happiness and togetherness.
Advertisement
Don’t miss out on this touching moment where Taylor Swift brings joy and music to a veteran’s home. Watch the video below to see the unforgettable encounter and the family’s singalong with Swift.
‘Little Miss Dynamite’ blew up the charts when she was only 12: The story of Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee's name might not be as instantly familiar as some of the other music icons of the 1960s, but when Christmas comes to mind, her song does too. You’ll catch yourself humming along to her infectious holiday classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
When Lee, now 78, first stepped onto a stage, she was too young to drive, yet her commanding voice propelled her to “unmatched worldwide fame” as the top-performing female artist of the 1960s.
Despite standing at just 4 feet 9 inches, Lee’s powerful vocals overshadowed her petite frame, making her a beloved sensation by the time she was merely 12 years old.
Born Brenda May Tarpley in 1944, she started her journey in the late 1940s, reached stardom in the 1950s, and throughout her career—which began long before she completed grade school—she dominated the charts 55 times, earning recognition as the leading female recording artist of the 1960s.
Advertisement
At the young age of eight (as reported by Rolling Stone), Lee suffered the loss of her father, a construction worker, who died in a work-related accident. It was then that little Brenda, who soon adopted the last name Lee, became the primary breadwinner for her household.
Providing for her younger brother, older sister, and mother—who worked in a cotton mill—was not an obligation but something she willingly took on. She recounted her excitement at earning her first $20, knowing she could contribute to her family’s needs: “Even at that young age, I understood how much that helped us,” Lee recalled. “It put food on the table. It made a difference, and I loved doing it.”
The Atlanta-born singer, recognized as a “trailblazer of early rock and roll” by the Georgia Encyclopedia, saw her popularity soar globally throughout the 1960s.
However, despite her remarkable success, Lee remains remarkably modest, crediting those around her for their support in helping her achieve her aspirations. When asked by Christianity Today about being considered a legend, Lee humbly responded, “I don’t see myself that way!”
Advertisement
She elaborated, “I’m just a girl who’s been incredibly fortunate to do what I love, and there are so many people who have sacrificed and invested their time and effort in me to help make my dream a reality. So if I’m a legend, then they are, too.”
In 1956, the young singer shared the stage with country star Red Foley at the Bell Auditorium near Augusta, Georgia, where she wowed audiences with a performance of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya.”
Soon after, she secured a spot on Foley’s Ozark Jubilee, a popular country music show, where millions of viewers were captivated by the spunky 12-year-old whose talent far exceeded her years.
That same year, Lee signed a contract with Decca Records, and the following year, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Blending country with rhythm and blues—enhanced by her signature hiccup-style vocals—she produced early rockabilly hits like “BIGELOW 6-200,” “Little Jonah,” and “Let’s Jump the Broomstick.”
Advertisement
When asked whether she ever felt anxious performing in front of large audiences as a child, Lee replied, “Not really. No one ever told me I should be nervous. The stage always felt like home to me since I had been performing for people since I was three. It was my comfort zone.”
In 1957, she earned the nickname “Little Miss Dynamite” after recording the explosive song “Dynamite.” The following year, at just 13 years old, she released “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which would go on to become a multi-generational holiday anthem.
“I knew it had something special,” she revealed to Rolling Stone.
In the subsequent years, she continued to climb the charts with hits like “Sweet Nuthin’s,” “All Alone Am I,” and “Fool #1.”
However, many of her songs depicted experiences she had yet to go through. Her mother prohibited dating, and by the time she graduated high school, she had not endured the heartbreak of young love.
Advertisement
At only 16, she sang about the pain of love in “I’m Sorry” and expressed longing in “I Want to Be Wanted.” Both became major hits, even as she remained inexperienced in romance.
When she turned 18, she met Ronnie Shacklett, the man she has now been happily married to for six decades.
Touring as a child star had its challenges. Lee celebrated her 12th birthday in Las Vegas but described to the Las Vegas Journal how lonely she sometimes felt.
“Of course, I wasn’t even allowed to walk through a casino because I was so young. So I never really saw one. They took me through the kitchen to get to the showroom. After my performance, I was escorted back the same way. Children weren’t permitted in the casino area,” she explained. “There was nothing for a kid to do in Vegas. The only fun I had was being on stage.”
Advertisement
Reflecting on what she missed out on, the award-winning singer admitted, “Many times, I longed to just be with my friends instead of constantly traveling.”
However, she made new friends along the way, including a little-known band that opened for her during a 1962 show in Germany. Casually, she recalled, “I spent time with John,” referring to John Lennon. “He was incredibly intelligent, sharp-witted, and kind-hearted. When I later learned that they considered themselves fans of my music, I was astonished.”
Among her notable friends was Elton John, who recalled his first time hearing her sing: “I was absolutely amazed. I had never heard anything like it.”
She also danced with Elvis Presley and had a long-standing friendship with Little Richard, whom she had known since the 1960s.
In 2019, both she and Little Richard were honored at the Governor’s Arts Awards, receiving Distinguished Artist accolades. It was Richard’s final public appearance before his passing at age 87 in May 2020.
Advertisement
Remembering her dear friend, Lee shared, “I had been dancing to Little Richard’s music at sock hops for years. How do you describe magic? … I didn’t grasp the lyrics or their meaning back then—I just knew that his music made me feel alive.” She continued, “I have no doubt he’s in heaven; he was such a devoted man of faith.”
Faith is a cornerstone of Lee’s life, and she attributes much of her success—both personally and professionally—to her husband, whom she wed in 1962.
The rest, she says, is in God’s hands. “He guided me when I chose my husband. I wanted someone with integrity, honesty, and love for me—someone who would protect and cherish me. And that’s exactly what I found. I can only thank God for that.”
Lee remains deeply involved in Sunday Mornin’ Country, a faith-based event that runs alongside CMA Fest and has thrived for over 40 years.
Advertisement
She has also influenced modern artists, including Taylor Swift, who penned a heartfelt essay in the book Women Walk the Line, How The Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives. Her piece, Rare Peer, highlights Lee’s impact as a 1950s pop sensation turned country music icon.
Although retired from performing, Lee’s legacy endures, especially during the holiday season when “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” fills the air. The beloved song has been a holiday staple for over six decades.
In 2019, the track climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, 59 years after its release. Lee told the New York Post, “It’s surreal to be shopping in a store and hear yourself singing. It’s a pretty wild feeling … It’s truly been a wonderful blessing.”
It’s remarkable how Brenda Lee continues to bring joy to fans even after all these years. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains a favorite, evoking warm holiday memories. What are some of your favorite moments involving Lee?
Advertisement
Morgan Wallen’s Fans Stir Up Drama with Taylor Swift Mention
Written by:
Published
Morgan Wallen’s latest concert took an unexpected turn when he decided to crack a joke about Taylor Swift, causing his fans to go wild—but not in the way he might have hoped. During his performance at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where he boasted about setting an attendance record for two consecutive nights, Wallen brought up Swift’s name, hinting she might break his record when she performs there in the fall.
The mention of America’s pop sweetheart didn’t sit well with Wallen’s crowd. Instead of laughing or cheering, the audience erupted in boos at the mention of Swift. Wallen, taken aback, tried to calm the waters by suggesting they didn’t need to boo her, but the damage was done. The country singer then quickly shifted gears to express his gratitude towards his fans for their unwavering support.
It’s important to note that Wallen wasn’t trying to start a feud with Swift. As far as anyone can tell, there’s no bad blood between the two musicians. However, it’s clear from this incident that Wallen’s fans aren’t exactly the biggest supporters of Swift. This reaction comes as a surprise, especially considering Wallen himself has followed in Swift’s footsteps earlier this year by re-recording some of his songs, a strategy Swift famously employed to take control of her music from her masters’ owner.
Advertisement
Wallen’s decision to re-record several tracks from his first EP was a move straight out of Swift’s playbook. The re-recording was Wallen’s way of undercutting the sale of his early work, which he felt no longer represented the quality he aspires to. He encouraged his fans to support his new versions instead. Despite the similarities in their approaches to controlling their music, it seems Wallen’s fans don’t draw the connection, and Swift might not receive the friendliest of welcomes in Indiana.
This unexpected moment at Wallen’s concert highlights the complex dynamics between fan bases in the music industry. While Wallen didn’t intend to spark controversy, the strong reaction from his fans underscores the passionate loyalty they feel towards him and their reluctance to embrace Swift. As Wallen continues to ride the high of his record-setting nights and navigates the reactions of his fans, Swift, known for her resilience and widespread appeal, is likely to take the incident in stride as she prepares for her own performance in the Hoosier State.
