Musicians Ask the Questions

For our December issue, 10 different pairs of artists came together to talk craft and share stories [“Musicians on Musicians,” RS 1346].

For several, this meant finally being able to chat with the person behind the music that influenced them most. The results were just as fun for the artists to share as they were for us to read. Taylor Swift tweeted, “It only took one day to confirm what I had suspected for years: Paul McCartney is the loveliest person alive.” Summer Walker got to talk with her longtime inspiration Erykah Badu. Afterward, Badu tweeted at Walker, “You are adorable and warm. Thank you for your transparency.” The women posed together for an exclusive digital cover, which blew up on social media.

“Look at the Queens,” reader Jilly T. wrote. “Stunning and glowing!” For James Burnett, the conversation between Mavis Staples and Chris Stapleton stood out: “I already loved both of those artists, but now I just love them more! I think I could hang out with them and just listen for hours on end.” Some pairs, like Jason Isbell and Barry Gibb, have recently collaborated. Others — like Swift and McCartney — have not, leaving room for lots of wishful thinking. “They are so similar,” wrote Twitter user Aria606. “Great songwriters, supersmart, poppy, warm, and optimistic. Could McCartney/ Swift be the next Lennon/McCartney?”

“My heart cannot take this. I have grown up to Paul and the Beatles, and have loved Taylor since her debut album. It’s about time!” —Amanda Rallis, via Facebook

with Metallica’s Lars Ulrich. “This was such fun,” wrote one reader. Another fan said, “[Her] ‘Fade to Black’ cover would be amazing.”

Brittany Howard and Margo Price talked about their early days in Nashville and using their music for change. “Two of my faves,” wrote one fan.

@ainsley mac02: I won’t be able to sleep until I know which lyric Taylor Swift asked Paul McCartney to handwrite before their interview.