Is it too early for Garth to be inducted into the Hall of Fame?

The  Country Music Association announced earlier this month that Garth Brooks will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with singer Connie Smith and session musician Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins.  After reading this, my first thought was, ‘I can’t believe Garth’s going in so early ’cause he just started recording in 1989.’  My second thought was, ‘Who deserves this more than Garth?’  Well, I have to admit, no one… (it’s also totally cool that Connie Smith’s going in with him because she’s been overlooked for far too long). The guy who was once described as a ‘thumb with a hat on it,’ single-handedly changed the country music industry.

If you were a country music fan in the 90’s then you probably understand why Garth Brooks is being inducted less than 25 years after his self-titled debut. You may disagree, but you get it. If you don’t know much about him, here’s why I think Garth deserves to be inducted now…

The Songs

First of all, Garth recorded a lot of songs that resonated with millions and millions of people, some he wrote, many he didn’t…

‘If Tomorrow Never Comes,’ ‘Unanswered Prayers,’  ‘The Dance,’ ‘Friends in Low Places,’ ‘The Thunder Rolls,’ ‘Shameless,’ ‘We Shall Be Free,’ ‘Ain’t Goin’ Down (Til The Sun Comes Up),  ‘Standing Outside The Fire,’ ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge,’ ‘The Fever,’ ‘Two Pina Coladas,’ etc., etc.

But the key was that Garth knew how to choose songs that he knew would connect with his audience and that he could deliver.  He was a master at finding a great song in a city, Nashville, that is full of artists trying to find great songs. And it didn’t take long until songwriters wanted Brooks to record their songs.

Crossover Appeal

Garth did something that other country artists had not done before, at least on a consistent basis.  His music crossed over to fans who weren’t necessarily country music fans.  So rock n’ roll fans, pop fans, R&B fans, etc. were buying Garth’s albums, and it was the first time they had ever bought a country album.  This is not the same thing as a country artist who releases a song that crosses over to another genre and becomes a hit.  Many have done that, from Dolly to Taylor.  Garth was different, he somehow got music fans to put aside their country music biases and spend their money on his music and concert tickets.  And he sold out tours, in non-traditional country markets, around the world.

The Concerts

Speaking of concerts, this is where Garth really made his mark.  He was the first country act to really marry the theatrics, energy, and antics of a rock show, with country music.  He was a master at live performing.  In every single show he gave it his all.  He wanted you to get your money’s worth whether you were in the front row or in the nose bleeds. Going to a Garth show was akin to seeing Springsteen, and like the Boss, Brooks had a certain quality that is hard to put your finger on, charisma.

Charisma

The dictionary defines it as, ‘compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.’  Garth Brooks has charisma in spades.  I had personally seen it from the seat of a concert theatre and a stadium, in his videos, and at some smaller performances at country music industry events. But to be honest with you, I didn’t really ‘get it’ until I shook hands with him and had the opportunity to conduct a one-hour interview with him.

It was 1995 and Garth was in Toronto to promote a new album, Fresh Horses, a record that would produce six singles and go 5Xplatinum in Canada and 7Xplatinum in the U.S. My camera crew and I went to a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel where we were met by a record label rep.  They told us to set up our TV equipment, so we did.  Half an hour later the door opened and in walked Garth, alone.  No handlers, managers, record company folks, or make up artists.  Just Garth.  As soon as he walked into the room, things changed.  Everyone on the crew noticed it.  This guy was different. He wasn’t physically imposing or incredibly handsome and yea, he was friendly, caring, and polite. But it was something in his eyes, something in his spirit, something you couldn’t quite figure out, that made him different than the rest of us shlubs. There was just an incredible magnetism and aura that the man carried with him. I swear it was it this undefinable quality that made him one of the biggest selling music artists of all time. Oh yea, and the interview was fantastic!

Sales

To date it is estimated that Brooks has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide.  The Recording Association of America has announced that Garth Brooks is the number two selling solo artist of the 20th century, behind Elvis Presley.  Brooks has sold 128 million records in the U.S., Presley has sold 134.5 million.  Garth’s sales success is obviously incredible but not a prerequisite for being inducted into any music Hall of Fame.  But it does show how many people were truly connected to the man’s music.

So there you have a few reasons why Garth deserves to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.  It is interesting to note that Garth, ever so humble, when told that he was to be inducted said, “I am astounded and honored to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Brooks. “At the same time, I can’t help but feel guilty going in when there are so many deserving artists that came before me who are yet to be inducted.”

Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, and Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins will be inducted into the Hall later this year.

Do you feel there are any artists that should have been inducted before Garth? I’m not so sure.