JAKKS Pacific Signs Top Country Star Taylor Swift for Toy License

MALIBU, CA. (Top40 Charts/ JAKKS Pacific) - JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced today that it has signed a worldwide licensing agreement through Creative Artists Agency, the entertainment and sports agency, to develop and market toys and related products based on the award-winning and double-platinum American country music singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift.

Under the agreement, JAKKS plans to launch a line of fashion dolls wearing Swift's most memorable fashions, role-play toys (including Swift's signature crystal guitar), accessories, and craft and activity sets that encompass the world of the pop culture mega-star. JAKKS expects to ship its Taylor Swift line to retail for Fall 2008.

"Tweens have developed a great connection with Taylor Swift, resulting in an aspirational following that not only enables girls to emulate this beautiful young country star, but encourages them to believe in themselves," said Jennifer Richmond, Senior Vice-President of Licensing and Media, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "We will work to ensure that the products embody the uniqueness and freshness of Taylor Swift."

"When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a country music star and having my very own fashion doll line," said Taylor Swift. "Now it's come true! I can't wait to see little girls play with my doll and rock out with my crystal guitar!"

Taylor Alison Swift is an American country music singer-songwriter who signed to the independent Big Machine Records label in 2006. Her self-titled debut album was released in late 2006 and has since been certified double-platinum by the RIAA in the United States. To date, it has produced three Top Ten singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs, including the Number One single "Our Song." All three of her singles have also reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was re-issued in late 2007 with a set of bonus tracks.

Taylor Swift has won the CMT Music Breakthrough Video Award and the Country Music Association's Horizon Award, and she has been nominated in multiple categories for the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, and most recently for the Grammy Awards.