Tim Davis, the artist behind the mural, said USA today in an e-mailed statement on Sunday that local bargoers specifically complained about and even spit at Swift’s photo because they felt “betrayed” by his pop stardom. “I heard a lot of complaints here in Nashville about Taylor being on the wall with country legends, as she is mainly focused on pop. Some drunken boats spit on her image specifically, feeling betrayed by her country adventure. I think that is expected, but in general, the people of Nashville love her, just like me. “
The decision was made by the owners of the Legends Corner bar and not by Davis himself, he clarified. Davis also organized a GoFundMe to raise $ 35,000 to paint a mural dedicated exclusively to Swift in downtown Nashville to honor his legendary country-pop crossover. “As a musical powerhouse in its own right, and having introduced many to the country music genre, it should appear on a prominent mural in the City of Music that shows its country roots and its conquered status as the queen of pop”, reads the description from the fundraising page.
Davis also revealed the USA today that three more prolific country artists would be added to the mural over the course of January, including a female artist he “sketched between Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks”, according to his statement. He has not yet revealed his identity.
See the Swifties’ reactions to news from the Ever removal of the singer from the mural below.