Born February 7, 1962, Garth Brooks is one of the best-selling country music artists of all time. Famous for blending rock and pop elements with traditional country, Brooks revolutionized the genre and achieved massive success. With over 170 million records sold, he's known for hits like Friends in Low Places, The Dance, and If Tomorrow Never Comes.
Brooks Early Life
Troyal Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to parents with a musical background. His mother was a country singer who had appeared on Ozark Jubilee, and his father worked in the oil business. Brooks grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma, where he demonstrated early musical talent and athleticism. He earned a track scholarship to Oklahoma State University, eventually graduating with a degree in advertising before deciding to pursue music full-time.
Rise to Stardom
Brooks moved to Nashville in 1987 to pursue a career in country music. After signing with Capitol Records in 1988, he released his self-titled debut album the following year. The album was a hit, producing singles like Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old), and established him as a rising star. His 1990 follow-up, No Fences, featured Friends in Low Places and went on to become one of the best-selling country albums of all time, launching Brooks to superstardom.
Record-Breaking Success
Brooks became known for his high-energy style on stage, drawing influences from rock and pop to appeal to a wider audience. His albums Ropin’ the Wind (1991), The Chase (1992), and In Pieces (1993) all hit number one on the Billboard 200. He’s credited with breaking records for both album sales and concert attendance, paving the way for future country artists with crossover appeal.
Why did Garth Brooks stop making music?
Struggling with conflicts between his career and family, Brooks retired from recording and performing between the years of 2001 and 2005. During this time, he continued to sell millions of albums through an exclusive distribution deal with Walmart, as well as sporadically releasing new singles.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Brooks has three daughters from his first marriage to Sandy Mahl, which ended in 2001. He married fellow country star Trisha Yearwood in 2005. Brooks has dedicated much of his life to philanthropy, supporting causes such as Habitat for Humanity, children’s charities, and environmental initiatives.
Awards and Legacy
With two Grammy Awards, 17 American Music Awards, and multiple CMA Awards, Brooks remains a titan of the country music industry. He is the only artist to have received seven Diamond Awards for albums certified over 10 million copies each. In 2020, he was honored with the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the first country artist to receive the award.