Product Description
Garth Brooks is certified by the RIAA as the #1 selling solo artist in US history. Since his debut in 1990, he has sold over 128 million albums. But success rarely comes without controversy, and Garth has had more than a share. Is he a media and market manipulator, a country music poseur, and a megalomaniac, or is he simply a brilliant businessman and marketing strategist?Industry insider Patsi Bale Cox, who generated all label material on Brooks throughout his career, examines the meteoric rise of the country star. Examining his career within the context of country music history, she takes readers behind closed doors at the labels, and delves into the inner sanctum of the Nashville music community. THE GARTH FACTOR will paint a portrait of how Brooks's friendship with Trisha Yearwood developed into love and marriage, explore the truth behind his "alter-ego" Chris Gaines, and update readers on what he has been up to since retirement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Readable, but not particularly objective
"The Garth Factor" is a quick read, but it's also a bit unsatisfying. Patsi Bale Cox doesn't have much distance or objectivity when it comes to Brooks, as one other reviewer mentioned.It comes off as if he can do no wrong, which is not true: He's only human, after all. But judging from this book, he virtually walks on water. Perhaps Cox was afraid of offending him? The same thing applies to people close to Brooks: When Trisha Yearwood's album sales falter, it's due to poor marketing, Cox writes. Couldn't it simply be the natural progression that happens with most artists, when their time on the charts is over? She is also overly effusive with people she interviews: She writes that "Gary Morris remained a player in Nashville" even though he longer lives there and hasn't been signed to a major label for nearly 20 years. It's as if there is a need to suck up to those who grant her interviews.

The book is a bit sloppy: She briefly mentions an incident involving Brooks' first wife putting her fist in a bathroom wall, but gives no details or explanation or even puts it in context. Did it happen early in the marriage, when they were dating or just before Brooks told a reporter about it? You get no clue from the book. Factual errors are also distracting. Eddy Raven's name is misspelled, and she states that Lacy J. Dalton's "The Heart" was the only Universal single that had much success -- "that was it," she writes. But Raven scored two No. 1 hits on the label ("In a Letter To You" and "Bayou Boys"), so the research seems a little haphazard.

Country Music Star - Book review
Interesting facts and chronology of the success of Garth Brooks.Nothing controversial or for that matter, surprising.It is clear that Garth Brooks was not involved in this as most of his quotes are from public events or other sources.Not a lot of raw honesty, just written so as not to offend anybody...

Garth Factor
Boughtthe book for my wife she loves it. It is detailed it fills in a lot of blanks as to what Garth has been up to. I really hope he starts touring again but i cant blame him for settling down with out family the work well is just work

Could be a textbook
I think many in the Country Music Industry could benefit by reading this bio.In a time when country is turning into a business purely about marketing and what is "slick" and "hot," this book portrays the genre's biggest star as someone who succeeded purely because of the MUSIC.

"The Garth Factor" could be a textbook for youngsters wanting to get into the Country Music game.It shows the ins-and-outs of the business side, as well as what it takes to become truly GREAT as an entertainer.

I gladly recommend this!

A GREAT READ FOR FANS OF ANY COUNTRY ARTISTS
I was late to counry music, having spent most of my musical formative years listening to rock and roll and pop music. Like probably millions of rock/pop fans I got tired of the glam and postering in the music videos on MTV and even eventually VH1, I was looking for music more pure and songs and videos that actually told a story or at least seemed sincere and not just about who had the hottest chicks in their videos, or the biggest hair and loudest spandex.It was a sweet video on VH1 with Amy Grant and Vince Gill that sent me over to CMT for more Vince info and from watching CMT I discovered the amazing world of country music, singers, songwriters and videos that actually told the story or at least tried to match the meaning of the song.What a feast of songs and artist, from Vince to Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Hal Ketchum, all who taught me to honor the legends, thus my love for the Grand Ole Opry and the men and women who have been members for over 50 years.

I have to admit I didn't come to this musical wonderland early, and thus all the crap written about Garth Brooks and his "marketing major" fueling some kind of "only in it to make money and sell more records" hype was already out there and I fell for it a bit and never gave him his due when he was putting out his music.But I did come around and learned to appreciate him.

Patsi has written a great book, so easy to read and so sincere in showing how much Garth really has tried to honor the SONG and the songwriter his whole career.He was a good guy and still is and reading this book will show any fan what YOUR favorite artist has to deal with on the busnines end of making his music.The work and care that an artist puts into trying to put the best music he can, the music that moves him, onto a finished cd is a long tedious job and often that effort is just trashed by the stroke of the pen of some music critic who thinks they know what was inside the artist's head and heart when he was recording.

Read this book and if you already have been a Garth fan you will appreciate him more and if you as not a fan, you will at least appreciate the process involved in getting that music to your cd player or IPod.

Great job, Patsi, your writing is so flowing and you tell the story indeed of the rise of country music via Garth, a true music maverick. ... Read more

Product Description
AMERICAN THUNDER has taken America by storm, earning the praise of songwriters, industry insiders, and, most important, Garth Brooks's own fans. Here's the story of an ordinary guy from Oklahoma who hoped to become an athlete until he discovered his own unique ability to harness the power of music and reach into people's hearts and souls. From his early days in clubs and honky tonks playing pop, rock, and folk music to his domination of the country music scene in the 1990s through his artistic experiment as rock icon Chris Gaines, this biography takes you backstage, into recording studios, and all around the world with the biggest-selling solo artist of all time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Real Country
This is well written , and here we see more of the personal side of Garth Brooks . The author lets us see that he is just another human being and has faults just like us .
Garth still married to Sandy admits to having an affair , and we see how Sandy was behind him all the way getting his career going and all the hard work they both put in to make the man who he is today .
This book also tells of all the awards and songs that Garth has done and gives us a look inside at the work put into giving his concerts .
I was hoping for a little more on his personal life but overall this is a great read for any fan .

A Garth Bio At Last
Maybe it's because I live in California, but for years I've been looking for a Garth Brooks book, biography, autobiography, anything and never had any luck at all. It seemed they just didn't exist and when I found this I bought it as fast as my mouse could click 'buy now with one click'.And when it arrived, I happily read it in two sittings and am thrilled to know the life and career of one of my biggest idols better.

There are a few reviews I read that took shots at the writting itself and I'm not going to tell you that this book doesn't read like a long high school paper, written in a 'speaking voice' but I also wasn't sitting down to read 'Grapes of Wrath' when I picked it up.

This book is a lot like the narrative to a Garth Brooks special you would see on the Biography channel, a program to which any one who would enjoy this book would surley tune in to watch.

I gave this four stars not for the litterary fireworks but for the joy of finally reading a Garth Brooks book.

Only officially endorsed autobiography of Garth Brooks
This is most compelling of all the Garth books.It's the only book that Garth Brooks is quoted as "having read every word and it brought tears to my eyes."The story about Garth Brooks, Hall of Fame member Robert Metzgar, Booking agent Joe Harris, Sr. and car dealer Bob Farr saving a local Christian family from starvation at Christmas time is one of the most touching, wonderful Christmas stories ever told.

Garth's personal commitment to charitable giving and his love of children leap from every page.It makes you fall in love with him as a superstar all over again.This book is a "must" major motion picture.The Chistmas scene alone is worth every penny you pay for this incredible charismatic autobiographical account of the world's greatest country act.If you want intense drama that brings tears to your eyes at times, this is the best of all the Garth books.

Garth Brooks Story
Have you ever wanted to know more about Garth Brooks, the country legend? If you have, then this is the book for you.The author shows that Garth loves people and loves performing for them. She includes interesting facts and finds justice to many rumors. As a person interested in music, I was pleased this biography told of how Garth started out as a music artist and of the trials and tribulations he had to go through. The author also included stories of ordinary people who have met Garth, and have witnessed what a great and caring person he is. She also wrote about the real life struggles of Garth and his wife, like each having to work two jobs to make ends meet.
Although I enjoyed the book, I thought the author could have included more feeling and drama into it. She also could have included less statistics about his albums.
After reading this, I have more understanding and admiration of Garth Brooks than I have ever had before.

good book
i thought that this book was a great book. i've liked garth since i was in 2nd grade and now i'm a senior and i still like him just as much. some people thought this book was a bad book and said bad things about it but i disagree with them. i learned a lot of things from this book that i didn't know about him, so if you are wondering ifyou should buy this book i would say yes. i bought it the day it came out and i've read it many times since then. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection contains 15 hit songs, five each from his three albums-- Garth Brooks, No Fences, and Ropin' the Wind. This folio includes all the released singles like: The DanceFriends in Low PlacesPapa Loved MamaThe RiverRodeoShamelessThe Thunder RollsTwo of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Garth Brooks Guitar Tabs
A lot of favorites made it easy to find the songs my sons were requesting.Easy to read and follow.

The Garth book to get
This is a great Garth Brooks book to gat if you play the guitar and absolutly love Garth Brooks, like I do. It features some of Garth's greatest hits like The Dance, Friends In Low Places, and The Tunder Rolls. It is such a great book, Don't pass it up you can't live with out it. Well, I hope you liked my review, thanks for reading it. Bye.

For any fan of Garth Brooks
This is a must for any fan of Garth Brooks or any player of the guitar."The Best of Garth Brooks" contains some of my favorite songs and offers many hours of playing enjoyment.

Worth It!
If you play Guitar (Or even If you don't ) This is worth it! ... Read more

Product Description
Arranged For Guitar Tablature & Standard Notation With Lyrics, Chords & Chord Frames. Matching songbook to the country legends multi-million selling album. Thirty four songs plus four pages of color photos. Contents: Ain t Going Down Friends In Low Places Shameless Two Of A Kind, WorkinOn A Full House The Beaches Of Cheyenne If Tomorrow Never Comes Papa Loved Mama More Than A Memory Good Ride Cowboy In Another s Eyes (The duet with Trisha Yearwood) The Fever Midnight Sun Learning To Live Again Longneck Bottle (Featuring Steve Wariner) To Make You Feel My Love We Shall Be Free The Dance Calling Baton Rouge Two Piña Coladas The Thunder Rolls That Summer The River Beer Run (The duet with George Jones) Unanswered Prayers Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) WorkinFor A Livin(The duet with Huey Lewis) What s She Doing Now When You Come Back To Me Again (From Frequency) Standing Outside The Fire American Honky Tonk Bar Association The Change Rodeo Wrapped Up In You Leave a Light On (Bonus Track) ... Read more

Product Description
Titles are: Belleau Wood
* Cowboy Cadillac
* Do What You Gotta Do
* Fit for a King
* A Friend to Me
* How You Ever Gonna Know
* I Don't Have to Wonder
* In Another's Eyes
* Longneck Bottle
* She's Gonna Make It
* Take the Keys to My Heart
* Two Piña Coladas
* When There's No One Around
* You Move Me. ... Read more

Product Description
Matching songbook to the country legends smash album. Arranged For Piano, & Guitar With Lyrics, Chords & Chord Frames. Thirty-four songs plus color photos. Contents: Ain t Going Down Friends In Low Places Shameless Two Of A Kind, WorkinOn A Full House The Beaches Of Cheyenne If Tomorrow Never Comes Papa Loved Mama More Than A Memory Good Ride Cowboy In Another s Eyes (The duet with Trisha Yearwood) The Fever Midnight Sun Learning To Live Again Longneck Bottle (Featuring Steve Wariner) To Make You Feel My Love We Shall Be Free The Dance Calling Baton Rouge Two Piña Coladas The Thunder Rolls That Summer The River Beer Run (The duet with George Jones) Unanswered Prayers Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) WorkinFor A Livin(The duet with Huey Lewis) What s She Doing Now When You Come Back To Me Again (From Frequency) Standing Outside The Fire American Honky Tonk Bar Association The Change Rodeo Wrapped Up In You Leave a Light On (Bonus Track) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Find!
I am not an experienced musician.I took lessons as a child and have since picked it back up.I bought this songbook on a whim. . . I was looking for To Make You Feel My Love. . . I had already purchased a version of the Bob Dylan song as separate sheet music, but wasn't really impressed. . . I was looking for it to sound just like the Garth Brooks version from the Hope Floats CD.Long story short, this book was exactly what I was looking for.I have always been a Garth Brooks fan and here I am now playing all of my favorite Garth Brooks songs!!!!I have spent hundreds of dollars in sheet music recently, but this is by far one of the best transcriptions of popular songs that I have found.It seemed very accurate to my untrained ear.If you are a Garth Brooks fan, then you should definitely grab this one.It even included the musical intros to songs which some of the books I have encountered don't.This is from a beginner/intermediate piano players point of view. ... Read more

Product Description
Album-matching folio featuring old Christmas favorites along with a few originals. The ten titles include: The Friendly Beasts
* The Gift
* God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
* The Old Man's Back in Town
* Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy
* Silent Night
* What Child Is This? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Garth Brooks: The Road Out of Santa Fe
Fantasic story on the beginnings of what Garth Brooks became.He never has lost his dream.

This book shows the "real" Garth, before he became an icon.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the "real" Garth -- the person behind the icon. The book details his hard work and determination as a local singer, and how he never gave up. It's not glitzy(black & white photos) but packed with stories that make you feel youare there, experiencing what he experiences, feeling what he feels. It isan inspiration to all, as is Garth.

This book is a must read for all Garth fans!
This book grabbed my attention and held on from beginning to end every time I read it! This isn't your run-of-the-mill, facts-everybody-already- knows kind of books. Matt O'Meilia does an outstanding job of describing the trials, troubles, and times of a young, struggling Garth Brooks just as he and their former band-mates remember them from their lives back in Eastern Oklahoma. Weather you think you know everything about Mr. Brooksor if youknow absolutly nothing about this legend, this book is sure to leave you with a smile and many interesting stories you will not find anywhere else. You may also find yourself with a new sense of hope and determination for your own goals as O'Meilia shows the hopes and dreams of five young men, one in particular, come alive. ... Read more

Product Description
In the three years since his first single entered the Billboard charts, country singer Garth Brooks has become the most popular recording artist in America. He's left Michael Jackson and Guns N' Roses eating his dust, and for good reason-he's an eloquent songwriter, a traditional country crooner with a rock 'n' roll twist, and he works the stage like a Nashville-born-and-raised Mick Jagger. He's rediscovered country music for a whole new generation, and breathed new life into it for country's original fans, leaving us, his fans, panting for more.

A big sound and a big star: Garth Brooks.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Outlines Garth's Climb To The Top!
Received this book for Christmas and I love it.Even though the information is out-of-date for those who have followed Garth in his climb to the top, I still enjoy reading all the details, some of which I did not know

Good book to learn facts about Garth
This is a good book if you don't know much about Garth. I have the Garth Scrapbook and that is the best book I have read.I think I like also because it has many pictures of him.Both books are not up to date though.I think this book is worth your money if you are a Garth fan. ... Read more

Product Description
Contains a full-color pull-out poster and the following tracks: The Beaches of Cheyenne
* The Change
* Cowboys and Angels
* The Fever
* Ireland
* It's Midnight Cinderella
* The Old Stuff
* Rollin'
* She's Every Woman
* That Ol' Wind. ... Read more

Product Description
Album-matching folio of his impressive debut album. Ten titles including: The Dance
* Everytime It Rains
* I've Got a Good Thing Going
* If Tomorrow Never Comes
* Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)
* Nobody Gets Off in This Town. ... Read more

Product Description
This album-matching folio contains 25 songs, and a spectacular color section of live shots from each. Includes three new songs, never before published: It's Your Song * Wild As the Wind * Tearin' It Up (And Burnin' It Down). The others titles are: The River * Two Pina Coladas * Shameless * The Dance * Papa Loved Mama *To Make You Feel My Love * Callin' Baton Rouge * Longneck Bottle * Much Too Young (To Feel this Damn Old) * Standing Outside the Fire * The Thunder Rolls * Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House * Unanswered Prayers * We Shall Be free * Ain't Goin Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up) American Honky-Tonk Bar Association * The Beaches of Cheyene * The Fever * Friends in Low Places * If Tomorrow Never Comes * Rodeo * That Summer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Got what I wanted
I needed a song out of the book for my daughter's wedding.It came promptly and in time for people to practice.Who doesn't love Garth! ... Read more

Product Description
Country music has exploded across the U.S. and undergone a sweeping revolution, transforming the once ridiculed world of Nashville into an unlikely focal point of American pop culture. Bruce Feiler was granted unprecedented access to the private moments of the revolution. Here is the acclaimed report: a chronicle of the genre's biggest stars as they change the face of American music.

From the historic stage of the Grand Ole Opry to the dim light of a recording studio, here is a ruggedly authentic behind the scenes tour that takes you places outsiders have never been allowed to go. Part social history, part backstage pass, this penetrating and graceful book presents the most comprehensive portraits yet painted of Garth Brooks and Wynonna Judd-two of the most celebrated artists of our times-as well as a touching picture of Wade Hayes, a young man who hopes to follow them to the exalted heights of one of America's richest traditions: the world of country music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Wonderful Book!
A must read for country music fans, author writes well and has inside access to behind the scences.

+1/2 stars -- Fascinating portrait of country music business
Feiler's book is ostensibly a portrait of three modern country artists, Garth Brooks, Wynonna Judd and Wade Hayes. And though he provides interesting portraiture of all three, what he really documents - using the three artists as vehicles - is the changing business of the country music industry, and by association, the broader changes wrought by and to American media and culture. It's a well-written volume, with some illuminating conclusions, fleshed out by first-hand observations the author made in and around Nashville.

Much has been made of Feiler's veracity, but, to a large degree, his larger theses are independent of the specifics. Brooks and Judd have each taken their digs at Feiler (the latter being more surprising, since Feiler's portrait of Judd is, ultimately, quite flattering), so one might take his biography of their lives with a grain of salt. Even so, his conclusions about Nashville's changing face, both musically and operationally, are usually spot-on.

The Cliff's Notes rendition of Feiler's work focuses on his portraiture of the three principals: Garth Brooks as an obsessive careerist who only finds joy during his time on stage, Wynonna Judd as the screwed-up (but ultimately triumphant) result of a screwed-up childhood brought upon her by the most heinous of mothers, and Wade Hayes as the naïf, making his way through a hurricane of market forces. By threading these three stories with history of Nashville's business, the reader sees how the threads of art and commerce have intertwined over the years, with commerce realizing a substantial choke-hold on artistry in the '90s.

Of particular interest is Feiler's description of the symbiosis between artists, labels and radio. The manipulations of hit single charts, the conniving for chart position (and the lurid world of not-exactly-payola that fuels it), the trading of accurate charts for those that can be "influenced" is eye-opening for those outside the industry. Feiler's discussion about various trends in country music, the rise of women signaled, in part, by the Judd's supremacy, the displacement of Wynonna by the sex-appeal of Shania, and the replacement of earlier artists by a new wave, are all very compelling.

The book is weighted towards reporting on Garth Brooks, which isn't necessarily a negative, since his is the most complex portrait, and Feiler finds his greatest insights in Brooks' rise and plateau. On the negative side, parts of this book were previously published as magazine articles, and there is some unnecessary repetition. The careful reader will wonder whether Feiler's editor actually read the entire book through.

Feiler is a fine writer, and has provided a unique portrait of Nashville through the peak of its '90s supremacy. Whether or not you believe the details he reports on his principal subjects, there's a deep ring of truth in his analyses.

Buyer Beware
Bruce Feiler presents what one supposes to be an 'insider's' look at country music. He had access to Garth Brooks for what was suposed to be a magazine article (which never materialised) for about 48 hours total.Much of what is written is a re-hash of past articles, conjecture and 'sound bites' from Garth Brooks. I have had it on good authority from Garth himself to disbelieve the majority of what is written about him. For example, Mr Feiler portrays Mr Brooks as a 'womaniser' throughout school; Mrs Brooks (Garth's mum) had stated in several interviews Garth did not date widely, andwas somewhat shy in that area.

There are several easily verified errors in the book. The Wynonna web sites deride this piece of fiction, and perhaps that is the best description: fiction.

Comprehensive, smart, and fun to read
Growing up inMississippi, I heard my share of country music, though I was much more a top 40 and rock and roll fan.I ended up working in radio (album rock radio) during the country-rock era (Charlie Daniels, Poco,Marshall Tucker, John Prine, etc.) and one of my favorite albums (that'show long ago this was) was the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will TheCircle Be Unbroken." So, while I can't say I'm an old time HankWilliams fan, I do have a fondness and familiarty with the music.But itturns out I didn't know that much about the music.Thankfully, BruceFeiler has filled in all the blanks for me.His research is thorough andhe weaves it seamlessly into the stories he has to tell on three goodexamples of Nashville in the '90's.It's a terrific mix of music history,market analysis, anecdote, and observation.

An excellent book; a must read for the Country star hopeful.
Very easy reading.Every time I had a question in my mind, Bruce answered it fully.I was truly impressed with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
A photographic portrait of country music's Entertainer of the Year chronicles the rise to success of Garth Brooks, from his youth in Oklahoma and his musical roots to his artistic development and success in the music world.50,000 first printing. Tour. ... Read more

Product Description
Garth Brooks, a pivital figure in country music history, still continues to pump out great music. Scarecrow portrays Brooks at his best. Titles are: Why Ain't I Running
* Beer Run
* Wrapped Up in You
* The Storm
* Thicker Than Blood
* Big Money
* Squeeze Me In
* Mr. Midnight
* Pushing Up Daisies
* Rodeo or Mexico
* Don't Cross the River
* When You Come Back to Me Again. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the life and work of the popular singer-songwriter whose early struggles led to overwhelming success. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Helpful book
I love Garth Brooks, so I really wanted to read this book. It had goodinformation and I learned how hard it was for him to get anyone to give hima deal. The book had a lot of cool photos too.

biogrefe
I am dowing a air band on gorth brooks and I wos wondreing if you cod emol me a diogrofe abowt yor life

one_bossy_boy_1@yohoo.comples emal meby.eric atkinson ... Read more

Product Description
Follows the life and work of the popular singer-songwriter who went from struggling musician to multimillionaire. ... Read more