Garth Brooks
In 1991, Garth Brooks' album 'Ropin' the Wind' became the first country record to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, signaling country's crossover into the mainstream. Combined with 1990's 'No Fences' and its anthem 'Friends in Low Places,' he became the best-selling solo artist in US history.
Oklahoma Beginnings
Born in 1962 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Garth Brooks grew up in a musical household and competed as a college athlete before pursuing country music in Nashville.
Country Goes Mainstream
His blend of traditional country with pop and rock energy made albums like 'No Fences' and 'Ropin' the Wind' blockbusters. Brooks brought stadium-scale showmanship to country music.
Record-Breaking Career
With nine Diamond albums, he is the best-selling solo artist in US history per the RIAA. After a retirement to raise his daughters, he returned to touring and recording in the 2010s.
Career Timeline
- 1962Born Troyal Garth Brooks on February 7 in Tulsa
- 1989Self-titled debut album released
- 1990'No Fences' yields 'Friends in Low Places'
- 1991'Ropin' the Wind' debuts at number one pop
- 1992NBC special draws massive TV audience
- 1997Free Central Park concert draws huge crowd
- 2000Announces retirement to raise his daughters
- 2009Begins Las Vegas residency
- 2014Returns with album 'Man Against Machine'
- 2020Receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
- 2021Headlines stadium comeback tour
Biggest Hits
- He has more Diamond-certified albums (nine) than any other artist, surpassing the Beatles' former record.
- In the late 1990s he briefly adopted a rock alter ego named Chris Gaines.
Portrait: self (Garth Brooks on World Tour crop) · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons