Garth Brooks revolutionized modern country music, catapulting him to the top of Billboard charts with his soulful ballads and eye-catching stage shows. Growing up surrounded by music thanks to his mother singing and father playing guitar chords – his musical influences ranged from Merle Haggard and Three Dog Night to Three Dog Night and his own family band helped teach him how hard work could be rewarded.
Capitol Records Nashville signee Paul Thorn released his self-titled debut album to critical and commercial acclaim in 1989, producing two #1 hits with “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “The Dance,” earning them certified Diamond status by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipping over 10 million units.
Garth Brooks first album was an exciting blend of honky-tonk, country and southern rock that pioneered a unique sound in country music combining traditional twang with pop hooks. Over his subsequent releases including multi-platinum albums No Fences (1992) and Sevens (1997) which showcased his wide repertoire including cowboy songs, dramatic balladry, country rock and honky-tonk music.
By the late 1990s, he had amassed an astounding number of sold out shows and became one of the world’s most sought-after entertainers. However, along with his success came greater social responsibility; as his success increased so did his social responsibility; as his success increased so did his social commitment – as evidenced by him taking time away from performing to raise three daughters while advocating through Teammates for Kids Foundation that recruits professional athletes to donate based on positive achievements in their fields.
He became a committed supporter of local community projects, founding the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team. Additionally, Trisha Yearwood and her husband Tim became involved with charitable endeavors on an individual state level through The Oklahoma Foundation for Educational Excellence.
A couple in Tennessee maintains a ranch where they can relax and take pleasure in nature, providing an escape from hectic schedules and hustle of entertainment business. It has become a special place for them and they look forward to visiting it soon.
Melinda Newman, Billboard Country Live’s Executive Editor for West Coast and Nashville, met with Brooks during our recent taping to talk about all facets of his remarkable career – his Vegas residency, 14th studio album Time Traveler (to be released Nov 7), TuneIn radio network he plans on starting up and why social media was nonexistent when he was first starting out as an artist. For more details about Billboard Country Live airing Nov 7 at 8 ET click here, and in the meantime watch below video featuring him discussing his most prized song from this episode below and be sure to pick up Time Traveler on Nov 7! You won’t regret it!