Career Timeline of Garth Brooks: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Garth Brooks, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Troyal Garth Brooks is a highly successful American country singer and songwriter known for blending pop and rock influences into country music. This fusion propelled him to immense popularity in the United States, achieving top positions on country music charts, numerous multi-platinum records, and record-breaking concert attendance. Brooks also successfully crossed over into the mainstream pop music scene, expanding his reach and influence.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: GLAAD Media Award

In 1993, Garth Brooks won a GLAAD Media Award for his song, "We Shall Be Free".

Loading Video...

1998: Launched Touch 'em All Foundation and Signed with the San Diego Padres

In 1998, Garth Brooks launched his Touch 'em All Foundation with Major League Baseball and signed with the San Diego Padres for spring training.

1999: Began Teammates for Kids Foundation

In 1999, Garth Brooks began the Teammates for Kids Foundation, which provides financial aid to charities for children.

1999: Played Baseball and Founded Teammates for Kids Foundation

In 1999, Garth Brooks continued his baseball career by signing with the New York Mets and founded the Teammates for Kids Foundation, which provides financial aid to charities for children.

1999: Remarks on Same-Sex Relationships

In a 1999 interview with George, Garth Brooks expressed his belief in following one's heart and trusting that God will explain why people fall in love with people of the same sex.

2000: Equality Rocks Benefit Concert

In 2000, Garth Brooks appeared at the Equality Rocks benefit concert for gay rights and sang a duet with George Michael.

2005: Established Pearl Records

In 2005, Garth Brooks ended his association with Capitol Records and established his own record label, Pearl Records.

November 5, 2007: Named Best Selling Solo Artist

On November 5, 2007, Garth Brooks was named the best-selling solo artist in US history, surpassing Presley after audited sales of 123 million were announced.

2007: California Wildfires

In 2007, Brooks staged benefit concerts to raise money for Fire Intervention Relief Effort, serving those impacted by the 2007 California wildfires.

2008: Live in LA Benefit Concerts

On January 25 and 26, 2008, Garth Brooks performed five sold-out concerts at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, to raise money for Fire Intervention Relief Effort, serving those impacted by the 2007 California wildfires. CBS broadcast the first concert live as a telethon for additional fundraising.

December 2010: Nashville Benefit Concerts

In December 2010, Garth Brooks played nine shows in Nashville to benefit victims of the May 2010 Nashville flood, raising $5 million.

December 2010: Presley Surpassed Brooks

In December 2010, after several more of Presley's albums received certifications from the RIAA, Elvis again surpassed Brooks as the best selling artist.

2010: Purchased Jack's Tracks

In 2010, Garth Brooks purchased Jack's Tracks, a recording studio, where most of his albums were recorded.

May 6, 2011: Completed MBA from Oklahoma State

On May 6, 2011, Garth Brooks completed his MBA from Oklahoma State and participated in the commencement ceremony.

2012: Passed Beatles in Album Sales

In 2012, Garth Brooks officially passed the Beatles as the top-selling act of the past 20 years, moving 68.5 million units worldwide, almost 5 million more than the Beatles.

2012: Renamed Jack's Tracks to Allentown Studios

In 2012, Garth Brooks renamed Jack's Tracks studio to Allentown Studios in honor of his 50th birthday.

July 6, 2013: Benefit Concert for Oklahoma Tornadoes

On July 6, 2013, Garth Brooks joined Toby Keith for a benefit concert for victims of the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

May 2014: Best-Selling Album Artist in the U.S.

In May 2014, Garth Brooks' total album sales reached 69,544,000 copies, making him the best-selling album artist in the U.S., ahead of The Beatles, Metallica, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion.

September 2014: Established GhostTunes

In September 2014, Garth Brooks established GhostTunes, a digital music store featuring his own digital music and songs from other artists.

October 2014: RIAA Lists Total Sales

As of October 2014, the RIAA listed Presley's total sales at 134.5 million and Brooks' at 134 million.

2014: Released Studio Album

In 2014, Garth Brooks released a studio album via Pearl Records.

2015: Barretos, Brazil Concert

In 2015, Garth Brooks performed a sold-out concert in Barretos, Brazil to benefit the Hospital de Câncer de Barretos.

September 2016: Achieved Seven Career Diamond Award Albums

In September 2016, Garth Brooks became the first and only artist in music history to achieve seven career Diamond Award albums, according to the RIAA, surpassing The Beatles.

2016: Released Studio Album

In 2016, Garth Brooks released a studio album via Pearl Records.

March 2017: GhostTunes Closed and Merged with Amazon Music

In March 2017, GhostTunes officially closed and merged with Amazon Music.

2019: Returned to Spring Training

In 2019, Garth Brooks made a return to spring training, joining the Pittsburgh Pirates to promote his charity.

June 16, 2021: Country Touring Artist of the Decade

On June 16, 2021, Garth Brooks won the Pollstar award as the "country touring artist of the decade" (2010s).

April 30, 2022: Garth Brooks Performed in Tiger Stadium

On April 30, 2022, Garth Brooks performed at Tiger Stadium at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His performance of "Callin' Baton Rouge" caused the crowd to generate enough noise to register on the university's seismograph, making him only the second person after Tommy Hodson to do so.

Loading Video...

November 14, 2022: Announced Second Concert Residency

On November 14, 2022, Garth Brooks announced his second concert residency, Garth Brooks/Plus ONE, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

November 2023: Released Time Traveler Album

In November 2023, Garth Brooks released his album, Time Traveler.

November 24, 2023: Amazon Music Live Concert

On November 24, 2023, Garth Brooks headlined an Amazon Music Live concert special, Garth Brooks: Dive Bar Concert, at his Nashville bar Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk.