Garth Brooks – Headed for the Hall of Fame

Okay.  I'm not even gonna try and hide the fact that I am a HUGE Garth Brooks fan.  I think that he was a seminal force in making Country Music the format it is today.  He's filled more monster concert venues and performed in front of more fans than anyone.  Period.

That's why I wanted to write up an article on the fact that Garth will be inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame next month in New York City. 

First, let's talk about the guy who's going to introduce him:  Billy Joel.  Since Billy has had some health issues, he's kept his schedule pretty light.  In fact the only thing he's got going in the near future is this tribute to his friend Garth.

The two met when Garth recorded Billy Joel's song "Shameless"...and took it right to number one.

Joel himself was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 1992.

Now, let's put a local spin on this story.  Garth Brooks has been inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.  The citation states:

Garth Brooks –  Garth Brooks is the top-selling solo artist in American history and released his first album in 1989. Brooks performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1991, 1993 and 1996. In 1996 for the 100th anniversary of CFD he shared the stage with Chris LeDoux to perform live for the first time “Whatcha Gonna Do with A Cowboy” the song they recorded together in 1992. Brooks is known to wear a Cheyenne Frontier Days Buckle while performing and accepting music awards.  He retired in 2001 to spend time with his family and came out of retirement in October 2009. His song “Beaches of Cheyenne” is about the fictional death of a bullrider at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

So, here's to Garth Brooks.  In the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and recognized by his fans here in the great state of Wyoming.  If this guy ever decides to do a retro tour across the country...I'm there.  See, I told you I'm a fan.

Lance