Garth Brooks

From ArticleWorld

Troyal Garth Brooks is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. Garth Brooks presented a strong musical force in the 1990’s and helped modernize country music. He dominated country charts and by appealing to a much larger audience was able to expose country music more than anyone thought possible.

Early Life & Success

Brooks was born on February 7, 1962 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He went to Oklahoma State University on a track scholarship, but quit track before graduating in 1984. He began singing professionally that same year. After playing for packed bars in Oklahoma, he went to Nashville but could not get a record contract. He married Sandy Mahl in 1986 and the couple moved to Nashville and he was finally signed by Capitol Records in 1988.

Brooks’ first album went all the way to No.2 on country album charts and No.13 on Billboard 200 pop charts. Singles from this album also reached success, such as "Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old." This was followed with hit singles, "If Tomorrow Never Comes," "Not Counting You," and "The Dance."

Country Music Success

Brooks releaased No Fences in 1990; this album stayed on the Billboard country charts at No.1 for 23 weeks. It also reached No.3 on the pop charts. No Fences sold over 20 million copies and was his best album. It contained his signature song that he is most famous for "Friends in Low Places."

Brooks is known today for his incredibly energetic live shows. He claims to have been heavily influenced by the 1970’s rock and roll era, including artists like Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. He also attributes a large part of his musical bases to fellow singer/songwriter George Strait.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Brooks has retired and made a country music comeback on two different occasions. He once stepped out of the country genre to release an album under the name of Chris Gaines, but it was not successful at all. Today, he continues to write, record, and perform chart topping hits and adding his musical talent to country music.