From “Friends in Low Places” to Legend: The Unstoppable Career of Garth Brooks!
Garth Brooks is not just a country singer; he’s a phenomenon who changed the landscape of music forever. With his unique blend of country, pop, and rock, Brooks broke genre barriers and became a global superstar. His electrifying live performances, complete with pyrotechnics and arena-rock energy, captivated audiences and set a new standard for country concerts.
Born Troyal Garth Brooks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1962, his early life was steeped in music. His mother, a former country singer, exposed him to the genre, while his siblings introduced him to a diverse mix of artists from James Taylor to KISS. Brooks initially pursued a career in sports, attending Oklahoma State University on a track and field scholarship, but the call of music was undeniable. After a brief, disheartening trip to Nashville, he returned with renewed determination in 1987. His persistence paid off with a contract with Capitol Records, and in 1989, he released his self-titled debut album, featuring the classic hit “The Dance.”
The 1990s belonged to Garth Brooks. His sophomore album, “No Fences,” was a commercial blockbuster, selling over 17 million copies and solidifying his place in music history with iconic songs like “Friends in Low Places.” Throughout the decade, he released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards and an astounding nine RIAA Diamond Awards—more than any other solo artist in U.S. history. His influence was so significant that the Recording Industry Association of America named him the best-selling solo albums artist of the century.
After a self-imposed “retirement” in the early 2000s to focus on his family, Brooks made a triumphant return to the spotlight. He has since embarked on multiple record-breaking tours, including a three-and-a-half-year stadium tour that concluded in 2022. He has also engaged in various projects, including his ongoing multimedia memoir, The Anthology, and a highly successful Las Vegas residency.
So, what is Garth Brooks doing now? He just wrapped up his extraordinary “Garth Brooks/Plus ONE” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Looking ahead, Brooks has major tour dates scheduled, including headlining the 2025 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin and a highly anticipated return to the UK for his first show there in nearly three decades at BST Hyde Park in 2026. He and his wife, fellow country star Trisha Yearwood, also remain committed to their humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity. Garth Brooks continues to prove that his star power and artistic legacy are as strong as ever, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
