History of Garth Brooks in Timeline

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Garth Brooks

Troyal Garth Brooks is a highly successful American country singer and songwriter. He is known for his innovative blend of pop and rock elements within the country genre, leading to widespread popularity in the United States. Brooks has achieved significant success on country music charts, with multi-platinum albums, record-breaking live performances, and crossover appeal in mainstream pop music.

1929: Birth of Colleen McElroy Carroll

In 1929, Colleen McElroy Carroll, Garth Brooks' mother, was born. She was a 1950s-era country singer who recorded on Capitol Records and appeared on Ozark Jubilee.

1931: Birth of Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr.

In 1931, Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr., Garth Brooks' father, was born. He worked as a draftsman for an oil company.

February 7, 1962: Troyal Garth Brooks Born

On February 7, 1962, Troyal Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He would grow up to integrate pop and rock into country music, achieving immense popularity and mainstream success.

1971: Jack Clement founded Jack's Tracks recording studio

In 1971, Jack Clement founded Jack's Tracks, a recording studio.

1975: Allen Reynolds buys Jack's Tracks recording studio

In 1975, Allen Reynolds bought Jack's Tracks, a recording studio founded by Jack Clement.

1981: Decision to Play Country Music

In 1981, after hearing George Strait's debut single "Unwound", Garth Brooks decided to focus on playing country music.

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1984: Graduation from Oklahoma State University

In 1984, Garth Brooks graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in advertising. During this time, he worked as a bouncer and formed his band, Santa Fe.

1985: Start of Professional Music Career

In 1985, Garth Brooks began his professional music career, performing in Oklahoma clubs and bars, including Wild Willie's Saloon in Stillwater, OK.

1985: Rod Phelps Offers to Produce Demo

In 1985, entertainment attorney Rod Phelps offered to produce Garth Brooks' first demo after listening to him perform in Dallas.

May 24, 1986: Brooks Marries Sandy Mahl

On May 24, 1986, Garth Brooks married songwriter Sandy Mahl.

1987: Move to Nashville

In 1987, Garth Brooks and his wife Sandy Mahl moved to Nashville, where Brooks began making contacts in the music industry.

1989: First Album Release

In 1989, Garth Brooks released his first album, marking the beginning of his career with 27 records, including 17 studio albums, 77 singles and numerous awards such as Grammy Awards and American Music Awards.

1989: Release of First Album

In 1989, Garth Brooks' first eponymous album was released, achieving chart success and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart. He also embarks on his first major concert tour, as opening act for Kenny Rogers.

1990: Release of 'No Fences' Album

In 1990, Garth Brooks released his second album, "No Fences," which spent 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and became his highest-selling album.

1990: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

In late 1990, Garth Brooks was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

September 1991: Release of Ropin' the Wind

In September 1991, Garth Brooks released his third album, "Ropin' the Wind", which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, a first for a country artist.

August 25, 1992: Release of Beyond the Season

On August 25, 1992, Garth Brooks released his first Christmas album, "Beyond the Season," which was the best-selling Christmas album of the year.

1992: Birth of Daughter Taylor Mayne Pearl

In 1992, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl welcomed their first daughter, Taylor Mayne Pearl.

1992: Co-Writing of "We Shall Be Free"

In 1992, after spending time in Los Angeles during the riots, Garth Brooks co-wrote "We Shall Be Free", a gospel-country-rock hybrid single expressing his desire for tolerance.

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July 1993: "That Summer" Reaches No. 1

In July 1993, "That Summer" became the most successful single from Garth Brooks' album 'The Chase', reaching No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

1993: Dispute over Used CD Sales

In 1993, Garth Brooks persuaded Capitol Records to not ship his 1993 album, In Pieces, to stores selling used CDs, leading to antitrust lawsuits.

1993: Brooks wins GLAAD Media Award for "We Shall Be Free"

In 1993, Garth Brooks won a GLAAD Media Award for his song, "We Shall Be Free", because it included lyrics supporting same-sex relationships.

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1993: World Tour Begins

In 1993, Garth Brooks' first world tour began, reaching the UK after many domestic concerts. Despite some negative media coverage, Brooks' popularity was evident.

1994: Birth of Daughter August Anna

In 1994, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl welcomed their second daughter, August Anna.

1994: Collaboration with KISS

In 1994, Garth Brooks paid homage to KISS by appearing on the tribute compilation, Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved, performing "Hard Luck Woman" live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

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November 1995: Release of Fresh Horses Album

In November 1995, Garth Brooks released "Fresh Horses", his first album of new material in two years, which sold over three million copies within six months, reaching quadruple platinum.

1995: Ty England Goes Solo

In 1995, Ty England, Garth Brooks' former roommate and guitarist, went solo after playing in his road band.

1996: Birth of Daughter Allie Colleen Brooks

In 1996, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl welcomed their third daughter, Allie Colleen Brooks.

1996: Return to the UK for Performances

In 1996, Garth Brooks returned to the UK for more performances after his first world tour in 1993, despite previous negative treatment from the British media.

August 1997: Central Park Concert

In August 1997, Garth Brooks' Central Park concert took place, drawing 980,000 fans, becoming the largest concert in park history.

1998: Brooks launches Touch 'em All Foundation and signs with the San Diego Padres

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

1998: Release of Double Live Album

In 1998, Garth Brooks released his first live album, "Double Live", recorded at various shows during his second world tour. It went on to become the best-selling live album of all time.

1998: Release of The Limited Series

In 1998, Garth Brooks released the first installment of "The Limited Series", a six-disc box set containing reissues of his first six studio albums, each including a bonus track.

March 1999: Brooks and Mahl Separate

In March 1999, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl separated.

September 1999: Garth Brooks becomes "Chris Gaines"

In September 1999, Garth Brooks adopted the persona of "Chris Gaines", a fictitious rock-and-roll musician, for an upcoming film called The Lamb. The pre-release soundtrack, Garth Brooks in...the Life of Chris Gaines (Gaines' Greatest Hits), was released in September 1999 to public criticism. He also appeared as Gaines on VH1's Behind the Music and Saturday Night Live.

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November 23, 1999: Release of Garth Brooks & the Magic of Christmas

On November 23, 1999, Garth Brooks released his second holiday album, Garth Brooks & the Magic of Christmas, which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Country Albums.

1999: Death of Colleen McElroy Carroll

In 1999, Colleen McElroy Carroll, Garth Brooks' mother, passed away. She was a 1950s-era country singer.

1999: Brooks begins Teammates for Kids Foundation

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

1999: Brooks continues baseball career with the New York Mets and starts Teammates for Kids Foundation

In 1999, Garth Brooks signed with the New York Mets for spring training. Also in 1999, he started the Teammates for Kids Foundation, which provides financial aid to charities for children.

1999: Brooks Expresses Views on Love and Sexuality

In a 1999 interview with George, Garth Brooks expressed the view that one should follow their heart in love, even if it involves people of the same sex.

October 9, 2000: Brooks and Mahl Announce Plans to Divorce

On October 9, 2000, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl announced their plans to divorce.

October 26, 2000: Garth Brooks announces his retirement

On October 26, 2000, Garth Brooks officially announced his retirement from recording and performing. That evening, Capitol Records celebrated Brooks' achievement of selling 100 million albums in the US.

November 6, 2000: Brooks and Mahl File for Divorce

On November 6, 2000, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl filed for divorce.

2000: Brooks Appears at 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.

February 2001: Gaines project put on indefinite hiatus

In February 2001, due to underwhelming public reception and sales, the "Chris Gaines" project was put on indefinite hiatus and quickly faded into obscurity.

November 13, 2001: Release of Scarecrow

On November 13, 2001, Garth Brooks' final album before his retirement, Scarecrow, was released, reaching No. 1 on Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts.

December 17, 2001: Brooks and Mahl Divorce Finalized

On December 17, 2001, Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl's divorce became final.

2001: Retirement from Recording and Performing

In 2001, Garth Brooks retired from recording and performing due to conflicts between his career and family. He continued to sell millions of albums through Walmart and released singles sporadically during this period.

2004: Brooks Returns to Baseball with the Kansas City Royals

In 2004, Garth Brooks returned to baseball, signing with the Kansas City Royals and getting his first and only hit off Mike Myers during his final spring training game.

November 2005: Release of The Limited Series compilation

In November 2005, Garth Brooks and Walmart released an updated compilation album, The Limited Series, which contained reissues of Brooks' albums, including Double Live, and The Lost Sessions, featuring eleven previously unreleased recordings.

December 10, 2005: Brooks Remarries Trisha Yearwood

On December 10, 2005, Garth Brooks remarried country singer and cookbook author Trisha Yearwood.

December 2005: Sales of The Limited Series

By the first week in December 2005, The Limited Series had sold over 1 million physical copies.

2005: Partial Comeback

In 2005, Garth Brooks began a partial comeback, giving select performances and releasing two compilation albums after retiring from recording and performing since 2001.

2005: Brooks Establishes Pearl Records

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

2005: Deal with Walmart

In 2005, Garth Brooks signed a deal with Walmart, leasing them the rights to his entire catalog following his split with Capitol Records. He also expressed interest in returning to live performances.

2005: Return to performances and tribute single

In 2005, Garth Brooks took a brief break from retirement to perform in benefit concerts. He also released a new single, "Good Ride Cowboy", via Walmart, as a tribute to Chris LeDoux.

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2006: Release of The Lost Sessions as a single CD

In early 2006, Walmart reissued The Lost Sessions as a single CD with additional songs, including a duet with Trisha Yearwood, "Love Will Always Win", which reached the top 25 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. They were also nominated for a Grammy.

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August 18, 2007: Announcement of The Ultimate Hits

On August 18, 2007, Garth Brooks announced plans for a new box set, The Ultimate Hits, featuring classic songs, new songs, and a DVD.

August 27, 2007: Release of "More Than a Memory"

On August 27, 2007, Garth Brooks released "More Than a Memory", which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

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November 5, 2007: Brooks Named Best Selling Solo Artist in US History

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

November 2007: Garth Brooks: Live in Kansas City

In November 2007, Garth Brooks performed nine sold-out concerts in Kansas City at the Sprint Center. The final concert was simulcast to over 300 movie theaters in the U.S.

2007: Brooks supports wildfire relief

In 2007, Garth Brooks began to support those impacted by the California wildfires.

January 2008: Garth Brooks: Live in LA

In January 2008, Garth Brooks performed five sold-out shows at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for a fundraiser towards the 2007 wildfires. The first concert, titled Garth Brooks: Live in LA, was taped and broadcast on CBS.

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2008: Garth Brooks: Live in LA Benefit Concerts

In January 2008, Garth Brooks performed five sold-out benefit concerts over two days at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to raise money for Fire Intervention Relief Effort, serving those impacted by the 2007 California wildfires.

January 2009: Performance at We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration

In January 2009, Garth Brooks performed at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial concert in Washington, D.C.. He performed "We Shall Be Free", "American Pie", and "Shout".

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October 15, 2009: Garth at Wynn Residency Begins

On October 15, 2009, Garth Brooks suspended his retirement to begin Garth at Wynn, a periodic weekend concert residency at Encore Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip.

December 2009: Garth at Wynn Residency Begins

In December 2009, Garth Brooks started "Garth at Wynn", a periodic weekend concert residency at Las Vegas's Encore Theatre.

May 2010: Nashville Flood

In May 2010, Nashville experienced a flood, to which Garth Brooks later contributed via benefit shows in December.

December 2010: Brooks Plays Benefit Shows for Nashville Flood Victims

In December 2010, Garth Brooks played nine shows in Nashville to benefit victims from the May 2010 Nashville flood, selling over 140,000 tickets and raising $5 million.

December 2010: Presley Surpasses Brooks in Album Sales Again

In December 2010, after several more of Elvis Presley's albums received certifications from the RIAA, Elvis again surpassed Garth Brooks in album sales.

2010: Brooks Purchases Jack's Tracks Recording Studio

In 2010, Garth Brooks purchased Jack's Tracks, a recording studio founded by Jack Clement and sold to Allen Reynolds.

2010: Brooks Inducted into Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame

In 2010, Garth Brooks was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.

2010: Death of Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr.

In 2010, Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr., Garth Brooks' father, passed away. He worked as a draftsman for an oil company.

May 6, 2011: Brooks Completes MBA and Participates in Commencement

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

October 21, 2012: Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame

On October 21, 2012, Garth Brooks was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a year after his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2012: Brooks Passes The Beatles as Top-Selling Act

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

2012: Brooks Renames Studio Allentown Studios

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

2012: Brooks Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame

In 2012, Garth Brooks was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

July 6, 2013: Brooks Joins Benefit Concert for Oklahoma Tornado Victims

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

July 2013: Brooks Becomes a Grandfather

In July 2013, Garth Brooks became a grandfather when his daughter August had a daughter named Karalynn.

December 2013: Announcement of World Tour

In December 2013, during an appearance on Good Morning America, Garth Brooks announced plans for a world tour, beginning in 2014.

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2013: Death of Betsy Smittle

In 2013, Garth Brooks' half-sister, Betsy Smittle, who was a musician and part of Brooks' band for some years, passed away. She was a lesbian, and Brooks credited her with inspiring his support for same-sex marriage.

January 2014: End of Garth at Wynn Residency

In January 2014, Garth Brooks concluded his periodic weekend concert residency, "Garth at Wynn", at Las Vegas's Encore Theatre.

February 2014: Announcement of Dublin Concerts and Cancellation

In February 2014, Garth Brooks announced two concerts at Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland, for July 2014, which expanded to five due to high demand. All concerts were canceled due to licensing conflicts and Brooks' refusal to perform only three shows.

May 2014: Brooks Becomes 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.

July 10, 2014: Signing with Sony Music Nashville

On July 10, 2014, Garth Brooks announced his signing with Sony Music Nashville and confirmed plans for a new album, world tour, the release of his music in digital format, and expressed remorse for the Ireland concert controversy.

July 2014: Signing with Sony Music Nashville

In July 2014, following the conclusion of his residency at Wynn Las Vegas, Garth Brooks announced that he signed with Sony Music Nashville.

September 3, 2014: Release of "People Loving People"

On September 3, 2014, Garth Brooks released his comeback single, "People Loving People", in promotion of his world tour and new album, Man Against Machine.

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September 4, 2014: Digital Release of Studio Output

On September 4, 2014, Garth Brooks released his entire studio output on digital for the first time ever via his own digital music store, GhostTunes.

September 2014: Comeback World Tour Begins

In September 2014, Garth Brooks began his comeback world tour with his wife, Trisha Yearwood.

September 2014: Brooks Establishes GhostTunes Digital Music Store

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

October 2014: Brooks Sales at 134 million

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

2014: World Tour Planning

In 2014, Garth Brooks planned for a world tour, influenced by the set list of the Las Vegas shows. Brooks had released Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences via Walmart, a compilation album.

2014: Studio album released on Pearl Records

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

2014: Garth Brooks adamance

In 2014, Garth Brooks remained adamant to the premise of not releasing new music.

2014: Brooks Awarded Arkansas Traveler Certificate

In 2014, Garth Brooks was awarded the Arkansas Traveler certificate.

September 2015: Announcement of No Fences Reissue

In September 2015, it was announced that Garth Brooks would reissue his album No Fences to commemorate its 25-year release anniversary, featuring a new version of "Friends in Low Places".

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2015: Brooks Performs Benefit Concert in Brazil

In 2015, during a break from his world tour, Garth Brooks performed a sold-out concert in Barretos, Brazil, to benefit the Hospital de Câncer de Barretos.

June 13, 2016: Death of Mike Chapman

On June 13, 2016, Mike Chapman, the bass guitar player of the "G-Men", Garth Brooks' studio band, passed away.

September 2016: Brooks Achieves 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.

October 13, 2016: Release of "Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance"

On October 13, 2016, Garth Brooks released the first single, "Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance", from his upcoming album.

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November 11, 2016: Release of Gunslinger

On November 11, 2016, Garth Brooks' album, Gunslinger, was released as a part of The Ultimate Collection, a compilation album released through Target. He also released a duet holiday album with Trisha Yearwood, Christmas Together.

2016: Induction into Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

In 2016, Garth Brooks and his studio musicians, The G-Men, were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

2016: Studio album released on Pearl Records

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

2016: Friends in Low Places release

In 2016, The track "Friends in Low Places" was later featured on his 2016 compilation album, The Ultimate Collection.

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March 3, 2017: Closure of GhostTunes

On March 3, 2017, Garth Brooks' digital music store, GhostTunes, closed, and his digital catalog moved to Amazon Music.

March 2017: GhostTunes Merges with Amazon Music

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

2017: Culmination of Comeback World Tour

In 2017, Garth Brooks' comeback world tour with Trisha Yearwood culminated after beginning in September 2014.

June 19, 2018: Release of "All Day Long"

On June 19, 2018, Garth Brooks released a new single, "All Day Long", the first off his 2020 album, Fun. The release also included a B-side, "The Road I'm On".

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August 2018: Announcement of Stadium Tour

In August 2018, Garth Brooks announced his Stadium Tour, visiting thirty North American stadiums. He performed the first concert at the University of Notre Dame's football stadium.

June 2019: Release of "Dive Bar" and Dive Bar Tour

In June 2019, Garth Brooks released "Dive Bar", a duet with Blake Shelton, and embarked on the Dive Bar Tour, visiting seven dive bars throughout the United States to promote the single.

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2019: Alleged Sexual Assault of Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

In 2019, Garth Brooks allegedly raped his hairstylist and makeup artist during a trip the two took to film a Grammy tribute. The allegations came to light when the artist sued Brooks in October 2024.

2019: Brooks Returns to Spring Training with the Pittsburgh Pirates

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

2019: Stadium Tour Begins

In 2019, Garth Brooks started his Stadium Tour, continuing his return to performing.

June 27, 2020: Drive-in Theater Concert

On June 27, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Garth Brooks performed a concert broadcast at 300 drive-in theaters throughout North America.

November 20, 2020: Release of Fun

On November 20, 2020, Garth Brooks released his most recent album, Fun.

2020: Recipient of Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

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

2020: Brooks Receives Gershwin Prize and Billboard Icon Award

In 2020, Garth Brooks was awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and was also presented with the Billboard Icon Award by Cher.

January 20, 2021: Performance at Joe Biden's Inauguration

On January 20, 2021, Garth Brooks performed "Amazing Grace" at the inauguration of Joe Biden, viewing it as an opportunity "to serve" and a "statement of unity."

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June 16, 2021: Brooks Wins Pollstar Award as "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).

August 14, 2021: Largest Concert at Memorial Stadium

On August 14, 2021, Garth Brooks performed his largest ever ticketed concert at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, selling 90,000 tickets.

2021: Brooks Named Kennedy Center Honoree

In 2021, Garth Brooks was named as a recipient for the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors.

April 30, 2022: Garth Brooks performed in Tiger Stadium; "Callin' Baton Rouge" registered on seismograph

On April 30, 2022, Garth Brooks performed at Tiger Stadium on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. During his performance of "Callin' Baton Rouge," the crowd's excitement registered on the university's seismograph, similar to an earthquake.

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November 14, 2022: Brooks Announces Garth Brooks/Plus ONE 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: Time Traveler Album Release

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

November 2023: Release of album Time Traveler

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

November 24, 2023: Brooks Headlines Amazon Music Live Concert Special

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

October 2024: Brooks Sued by Former Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

In October 2024, Garth Brooks was sued by his former hairstylist and makeup artist, who alleged sexual harassment on several occasions, including a rape allegation from a 2019 trip.

2024: Garth Brooks/Plus ONE Residency Continues

In 2024, Garth Brooks continued his Las Vegas concert residency, Garth Brooks/Plus ONE.

January 9, 2025: Brooks Performs "Imagine" at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

On January 9, 2025, Garth Brooks, along with his wife Trisha Yearwood, performed John Lennon's song "Imagine" at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter in Washington, D.C.

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