In the annals of country music record breakers, Garth Brooks stands tall. The highest-selling country artist in history, and the bestselling solo American musician in any genre during this century, he rewrote the rules for what it meant to be a Nashville superstar. Garth has sold 170 million records worldwide, with seven of them reaching Diamond status — a record unmatched even by Elvis Presley or the Beatles. Garth's rise to the top wasn't only meteoric, it changed the entire industry. His pop-friendly approach and tireless showmanship — epitomized by his high-energy live productions that similarly transformed stadium concerts — help raise country music to be a crossover force like never before. He's one of popular music's biggest teddy bears, a lovable goofball who loves a dad joke and isn't afraid to poke fun of himself. And he always has time for his fans, with a legendary reputation for spending time with them during meet and greets and autograph sessions. Garth has championed numerous progressive causes over the years, no matter the backlash he's faced at times in return — especially in his support of gay marriage. He and wife Trisha Yearwood have also poured their time and energy into Habitat for Humanity. Celebrate the legend's remarkable life with a collection of intimate stories and breathtaking photos.
GARTH BROOKS
WRAPPED UP IN YOU • Paying tribute to the crown prince of country music, Garth Brooks.
TEARIN’ IT UP • Revisiting some of the most unforgettable moments in a remarkable life.
THRILL OF THE CHASE • Reared in a musical household in small-town Oklahoma, the future star excelled in his youth as a varsity athlete who dreamed of playing baseball.
WORKIN’ ON A FULL HOUSE • The star had an early musical role model in the form of his mother, Colleen.
FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES • Fresh out of college, the ambitious young singer began to forge a path in the music business, but his initial efforts fell flat in Nashville, Tennessee.
ACE IN THE HOLE • How George Strait created the blueprint for Garth Brooks.
THICKER THAN BLOOD • These artists, from glam rockers to real-life rodeo stars, helped shape Garth Brooks’ musical tastes and stage persona.
SWINGING FOR THE FENCES • The singer’s self-titled debut established him as a special force in country music, but its follow-up made him unbeatable.
MOVING PICTURES • The emerging music video business was key to the artist’s rise.
TWO OF A KIND • First wife Sandy Mahl was a steadying influence as the singer took on, and took over, the country music world.
THE APPLES OF HIS EYE • The legend’s three daughters never fail to surprise—or impress—their proud father.
WITH THE WIND AT MY BACK • Already riding a hot streak, the talented artist became a pop music icon with the help of a realignment in the industry.
LET FREEDOM RING • “We Shall Be Free’s” pro-LGBTQ message got it banned from country radio, but earned Garth wider praise as an activist.
ESSENTIAL GARTH • Here are the stories behind 10 of the icon’s most enduring songs.
UNANSWERED PRAYERS • At the peak of his powers, Garth Brooks began to feel the pressures of celebrity during his megaselling world tours of the mid-’90s.
STAR-SPANGLED DRAMA • The country superstar nearly derailed the 1993 Super Bowl.
GOOD RIDE, COWBOY • The energetic showman shakes up the standard for country music concert tours.
FIELD OF DREAMS • At the height of his fame, the artist got the chance to live out a fantasy by moonlighting as a professional baseball player.
LOST IN YOU • The icon started a firestorm when he assumed the alter ego of Australian pop singer Chris Gaines for the failed Hollywood film The Lamb.
MAD ABOUT GARTH...