Taylor Swift's fans-first business strategy all goes back to a childhood interaction with LeAnn Rimes

Erika Goldring/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Throughout her career, Taylor Swift has credited many fellow musicians as vital influences, from Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks to Kenny Chesney and, of course, Tim McGraw. But perched quietly atop that star-studded list is LeAnn Rimes.