Garth Brooks: Fun facts you might not know about the legend

Brittney Baird
·2 min read
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Garth Brooks turns 62 years old on Wednesday. To celebrate, here are some facts about the legendary artist.

  • Brooks is the best-selling solo artist in history. He is the only artist in history to have nine albums certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America, passing a former record set by The Beatles. To date, he has sold more than 170 million records.

  • Chris Gaines era: In 1999, Brooks took on the persona of “Chris Gaines”, a fictitious rock-and-roll musician. Brooks appeared as Gaines for the VH1 series Behind the Music and performed as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, which he also hosted as himself.

  • Brooks is an athlete. He earned a track scholarship to Oklahoma State University and competed in the javelin. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in advertising. He later signed with the San Diego Padres in 1998 and 1999 and participated in spring training. He later played for the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals during each team’s spring training.

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  • Brooks gives back. In the aftermath of the historic 2010 flood that devastated Nashville, Brooks performed nine sold out shows at Bridgestone Arena, which raised $10 million for flood relief for Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. A banner honoring Brooks’ contributions hangs in the rafters at Bridgestone.

  • In 2020, Brooks became the youngest recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

  • Brooks loves to move. He uses a wireless headset microphone to free himself to run around the stage, adding energy and arena rock theatrics that have become his signature.

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  • Brooks didn’t give up. He initially traveled to Nashville to pursue a recording contract but returned to Oklahoma within 24 hours. He was convinced to return to Nashville and in 1987, Brooks and his wife Sandy Mahl moved to Music City.

  • Garth is actually Brooks’ middle name. He shares his first name with his father, Troyal.

  • Brooks met Trisha Yearwood in 1987 during a demo-recording session. They married in December 2005 in a private ceremony at their home outside Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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