Who Did Garth Brooks Listen To?

Garth Brooks primarily listened to rock music, especially artists like James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, and Townes Van Zandt, though he also had an appreciation for country music, particularly George Jones.

Early Musical Influences of Garth Brooks

During his formative years, specifically between 1985 and 1989, Garth Brooks developed his musical tastes by drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists. While he would later become a country music icon, his listening habits reveal a strong inclination towards other genres.

A Blend of Genres

Although Brooks did listen to country music, with a notable affinity for the legendary George Jones, his deepest musical connections were with rock music. He openly cited several rock artists as major influences on his sound and songwriting. This blend of influences helped shape his unique style, which often incorporated elements from both genres.

Key Artists He Listened To

Brooks's musical journey was significantly shaped by the artists he admired and listened to. His influences span across different facets of American music, contributing to the broad appeal of his own work.

Here are the key artists Garth Brooks listened to and cited as influences:

• George Jones: An iconic figure in country music, Jones was one of the few country artists Brooks particularly enjoyed listening to during his early years. His classic honky-tonk style and emotive vocals likely resonated with Brooks.
• James Taylor: A highly influential singer-songwriter known for his acoustic, folk-rock sound. Taylor's lyrical depth and mellow musicality were a significant draw for Brooks.
• Dan Fogelberg: Another prominent singer-songwriter from the folk-rock genre, Fogelberg was celebrated for his introspective lyrics and rich, melodic compositions, which Brooks admired.
• Townes Van Zandt: A legendary figure in American folk and country music, often described as a songwriter's songwriter. Van Zandt's poetic lyrics and poignant narratives deeply influenced Brooks. While often categorized as folk or country, his unique style certainly fit into Brooks's broader appreciation for rock-oriented singer-songwriters.

To illustrate the diverse musical landscape that influenced Garth Brooks, here's a summary of these artists:

This eclectic mix of influences underscores the depth and breadth of Garth Brooks's musical palette, contributing to his innovative approach to country music and his widespread appeal. For more information on Garth Brooks's career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.