Garth Brooks Reflects on Nashville’s Transformation Following His Return to Country Music

Garth Brooks Reflects on Nashville’s Transformation Following His Return to Country Music

In 2014, Garth Brooks made a significant decision to return to the world of country music after a 14-year hiatus dedicated to raising his children. Upon his return, he discovered a Nashville that had undergone dramatic changes, both in culture and in its music scene.

Brooks, who had announced his retirement in 2000 while sitting at the pinnacle of his career, found a drastically different environment awaiting him. During the 1990s, he enjoyed immense success, releasing enduring hits like “Friends in Low Places” and “The River.” After taking a break to focus on family in his home state of Oklahoma, Brooks moved to Nashville when his youngest daughter chose to attend Belmont University.

Upon his arrival in Nashville, Brooks described the city as a “gutted town.” He reflected on the significant loss of songwriters, stating that over 80 percent had vanished since his departure. In his recent book, “The Anthology Part V,” he wrote about the stark reality of the songwriting community’s decline, emphasizing the essential role that songwriters play in the music industry.

Nashville’s Songwriter Exodus

Brooks expressed concern in his book, saying, “It was a gutted town when it came to songwriters. And, I’m sorry, try to feed the world without farmers. The songwriters? They’re the farmers that feed music, and they were gone. So you kind of said, okay, you’re getting back into this thing. But there’s a lot I am not happy about that’s happened in the last fourteen years. It created a mood. Things got darker.”

His reflections reveal a deep sense of loss. Before his departure, he witnessed how songwriters thrived, but on his return, he lamented the talent that had been lost over the years.

The Impact of Technology on Music

In discussing the reasons behind the changes within the music landscape, Brooks emphasized the drastic impact of technology. He noted that advancements had shifted the dynamics of music production and distribution. He articulated the struggles musicians face in adapting to an industry increasingly dictated by technology.

Brooks noted that the introduction of devices like the iPod and smartphones influenced the way music is consumed. “Music blinked, and bam!, they let technology price their product. Can you believe ‘Hotel California’ is worth only 99 cents? We understood that technology was taking over music, nearly choking and almost killing it while the technology prospered,” he said.

His passion for songwriting remains intact, but he feels that technology has not benefited the art form. He remarked, “With that said, my opinion is technology has no love for art. None whatsoever. It just has a love for something that can sell its hardware and software.”

Navigating Personal and Professional Changes

Brooks faced a dual challenge upon his return to Nashville. Not only did he navigate the challenges in the music industry, but he also had to adjust to significant changes in his personal life. He expressed that the transition from Oklahoma to Tennessee and the empty nest situation weighed heavily on him. Adjusting to the streaming era proved to be one of the most difficult aspects, as he was used to a time when fans purchased physical copies.

In response to the issues he perceived in the digital music realm, Brooks launched GhostTunes in September 2014, aiming to create a platform that supports artists and songwriters. He envisioned a digital store that would allow more revenue from music sales to flow back to creators. Although the platform was eventually folded into Amazon Music, Brooks did not see this venture as a failure.

A Triumphant Comeback

Launching The Garth Brooks World Tour in September 2014, he returned to the stage for the first time since completing his previous world tour in 1998. Initially nervous about ticket sales, Brooks was taken aback when 300,000 people queued online for tickets to his first show in Chicago—a testament to his enduring popularity.

The tour, which lasted for three years, included seven shows in Nashville and was lauded for its immense success. His manager, Randy Bernard, noted, “Garth came back bigger than when he left. It made a difference for country music as a whole.”

Recognizing His Impact

Brooks received the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 2016, 2017, and 2019, recognizing his remarkable comeback. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the hard work of his band and crew during the demanding tour, stating that they were setting new standards within the industry.

The heart of Brooks’ success lies in his ability to connect with live audiences. He acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of live music, commenting, “The live show, that’s when it’s just you and the people that determine whether your stuff is a success or a failure. It’s about passion; it’s all on the line every time. You’re just going straight to the people.”

The Resilient Spirit of Live Music

Brooks believes that live music stands the test of time, surpassing trends and technological challenges. He concluded that regardless of industry changes, nothing could diminish the value of a live performance. He remarked, “When I think about this, really think about it, I stop worrying about the future of the music business.”

As Garth Brooks continues his legacy, his reflections on Nashville’s changes remind us of the enduring nature of music and the vital role songwriters play in shaping culture.