Garth Brooks

Troyal Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and charity director who performs country music.

Early life and career

Garth Brooks grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma. His father Ray Brooks worked as a draughtman for an oil company, while his mother Colleen Carroll had been a minor figure as a country music singer in the 1950s. Garth grew up with an interest in music and sang in casual family settings, but his biggest interest was in athletics. He played football, baseball, and ran track in high school.

Related Topics:
Yukon, Oklahoma - Draughtman - Colleen Carroll - 1950 - Football - Baseball - Track

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Brooks attended Oklahoma State University on a track scholarship as a javelin thrower. However he dropped track while at the school and graduated in 1984 with a degree in advertising.

Related Topics:
Oklahoma State University - Track - Javelin throw - 1984 - Advertising

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Brooks began his professional singing career in that same year. He became very successful as a local artist, playing to packed clubs and bars in Oklahoma. However, a 1985 trip to Nashville to gain a record contract was a miserable failure. Brooks returned to Oklahoma and in 1986 married Sandy Mahl, whom he had met while working as a bouncer in a bar.

Related Topics:
1985 - Nashville - Record contract - 1986 - Bouncer

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In 1987, the couple moved to Nashville, and Brooks was gradually able to wend his way into the music industry. By 1988, he was signed to Capitol Records.

Related Topics:
1987 - 1988 - Capitol Records

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