Taylor Swift Reveals Her Female Rock Idols

Published

Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift -- who has already established herself as one of today's biggest music stars -- talks about some of her favorite women rockers who influenced her career.

Taylor was interviewed in conjunction with a new exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum that will showcase artists including Lady GaGa, Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Aretha Franklin and Pat Benatar.

"Looking back, when I think of women who rock, I think of so many different artists -- like Pat Benatar, Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, and Stevie Nicks -- people who I can't believe I've gotten to meet now. So it's unbelievable to look back on the music they created and the effect it had on my life."

Taylor, 21, said she feels a special connection to the Women Who Rock exhibit, set to open today at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. "When I picture the phrase Women Who Rock, I think of guitars, I think of writing songs, I think of telling stories. I think of connecting with your fans on a level that's very personal -- and you know, hair flying and stuff like that."

The exhibit will spotlight more than 60 artists -- featuring artifacts, video and listening stations -- as well as a recording booth where visitors can film their own moment related to women in rock. A benefit concert will take place on Saturday, with an all-star lineup including Wanda Jackson and Cyndi Lauper.