Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Garth Brooks

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

Arguably one of the most recognized names in country music history, Garth Brooks' retirement from the industry means he no longer makes frequent appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Nonetheless, the Oklahoma native has made such an impact on country music that acknowledgement of his roles in country music and the Grand Ole Opry is necessary.

Background and Early Career

• Brooks was born February 7, 1962 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma, before completing a degree in advertising from Oklahoma State University in 1984. In 1985, Brooks traveled to Nashville to pursue a recording contract. That trip lasted less than 24 hours, when Brooks returned to his home to state to continue packing the clubs and venues around Oklahoma.
• He returned to Nashville in 1987, was signed to Capitol Records in 1988, released his self-titled debut album in 1989. That album kick-started what would become one of the most successful careers in music history with tracks such as "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and "The Dance." Subsequent albums over more than a decade would make Brooks second only to Elvis as the world'

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Garth Brooks was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 6, 1990, just one year after the release of Garth Brooks.

Garth Brooks at the Opry

• Brooks has retired from the music industry at least until his youngest child reaches the age of 18 — which would be the year 2014. Although he occasionally makes public appearances, performances on the Grand Ole Opry are rare. If you are able to catch Garth Brooks at the Opry, here are a few of the hits you might hear:

Notable Hits

• The Dance
• Friends in Low Places
• If Tomorrow Never Comes
• Rodeo
• Ain't Going Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)
• Callin' Baton Rouge
• Unanswered Prayers
• The Thunder Rolls

More Details

• The home of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood is often featured on the Homes of the Stars Tour of the Nashville area.
• For more information about artists performing at the Grand Ole Opry, please visit the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog.
• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!