Taylor's memoir delves into her traumatic childhood, struggles with agoraphobia, and rise to superstardom, offering a raw and vulnerable look at her life that goes beyond her public persona.
Taylor was unexpectedly brought on stage by Prince during a concert in Frankfurt, with no rehearsal or knowledge of the lyrics. She had to improvise while singing a gospel song, feeling like she was floating through the experience.
Taylor's childhood, marked by abuse and health issues, fueled her determination to succeed. Her voice became her escape and inspiration, helping her overcome severe agoraphobia and embrace a career in music.
Taylor believes that artists must connect emotionally with their audience by being truthful and vulnerable on stage. Simply going through the motions without genuine connection won't resonate with the audience.
Taylor described the experience as terrifying, feeling like she was being fed to a roaring crowd. However, her performance self kicked in, and she delivered a memorable performance despite the immense pressure.
Taylor faced a tumultuous home life with a father who had rage issues and a family environment filled with fear and depression. She also battled severe health issues, including kidney and bladder infections, which she internalized from the stress.
Taylor sees fame as a tool for freedom and connection, but acknowledges its isolating aspects. She emphasizes taking ownership of her career and finding fulfillment in her work rather than relying on external validation.
Musical theater helped Taylor develop the ability to embody characters and live truthfully in imaginary circumstances, skills that translated into her performances as a singer and songwriter.
Taylor's impromptu performance with Prince, where she had to trust him and sing without preparation, mirrored the scene in 'A Star is Born' where Gaga's character is brought on stage by Cooper's character, relying on instinct and trust.
Taylor starts with a melody, often working with a producer to build the track. She then free-flows lyrics and melodies, collaborating with other writers to piece together the song like a puzzle.
75 million albums sold. 18 top ten hits recorded. Named in 2018 by Billboard as one of the top 60 female artists of all time (#35)! I’m guessing you are or have been, a Taylor Dayne fan (soundtrack of your life stuff, right here).I feel blessed to call Taylor a dear friend and can attest that she’s everything you’d hope a superstar to be—which you’ll soon experience as she opens up her heart and memories about the coolest details. Like what it was really like to open for Michael Jackson in a stadium of 60,000 people for his RAD tour. Or, what happened when Prince brought her on stage early in her career in a scene that will have you thinking, “Wait! Didn’t I just see Bradley Cooper do that with Lady Gaga in A Star is Born?!”Taylor’s memoir, Tell It To My Heart (named after one of her most popular ballads) pubs on Valentine’s Day and goes deep and vulnerable about topics you’d never guess by watching her career, starting with her tragic childhood in which her voice gave her the fire and inspiration to stay alive.Popular podcaster/TED producer/ media communications coach, Bronwyn Saglimbeni, is today’s guest co-host. I love this woman! She, like Taylor, is also a busy mom and business owner who happens to have a rockin’ rock band side hustle. Can you stand it? I’m such a singing wanna-be!Thank you for joining me for this magical conversation, punctuated by snippets of several of Taylor’s biggest hits. We’re going to talk about so much, not the least of which includes healing, the music industry, what it’s like to write brutal truths about family members who are still standing, why standing on that TED or TEDWomen stage is as scary (or scarier!) than singing in a stadium, and learning to trust yourself—a challenge for us all. There’s no holding back here, and a whole heap of heart. We're so glad you’re here. Linda xo