The Garth Factor: The Career Behind Country's Big Boom

By Patsi Bale Cox

Book Overview

Garth Brooks is certified by the RIAA as the #1 selling solo artist inUS 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 Nashvillemusic 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599950995
• ISBN13: 9781599950990
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Center Street
• Length: 335 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

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...

Everything you didn't know you needed to know about Nahville

Good, popular writing and lots of insider informatiion. I have been a country music fan for decades and this book helped me feel that I had a privileged look at the way the industry works and who controls what and who. A real pleausre and a book ot hold onto and refer to .

Very Interesting Read

I just found Garth Brooks' music (yeah, OK I'm a little slow on the uptake here)and found this book an interesting look at the music industry. It is obvious that the author likes Mr. Brooks, which I think says alot after working around the man for several years. Naysayers think there has to be a dark side to the man but Pollyana that I am I prefer to believe he's an all around nice guy who made it REAL big. What's wrong with that?

Fascinating insight into the private world of country music

This book provides a pretty good glimpse of the behind the scenes controlled world of the music biz. Country music's biggest star ever seemingly stays gounded by his fans and emerges an all-time best selling superstar. In the chaos a small group of intensely loyal professionals stay with Garth through thick and thin staying focused on the music not the Nashville politics. Patsi has had unique access to all the people involved so when you read "The Garth Factor" it is like you are also in the room when everything was going on. Great fun to read.

Garth's career in context

In The Garth Factor, Patsi Bale Cox chronicles the highs and lows in Garth Brooks roller coaster ride to becoming the biggest selling recording artist of all time. In the process she sets straight many misconceptions that have plagued Garth for much of his career. Through interviews with many of the musicians, songwriters and executives integral to Garth's success, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how his music was recorded and marketed. You'll also learn the stories behind your favorite Garth Brooks songs. Long-time fans who've followed Garth's career closely may think they know all there is to know about the major confrontations that Garth had with various music row executives and other industry insiders, but I can guarantee that they will be surprised by the perspective Bale Cox offers on these major controversies. Fans will feel that they understand Garth better both professionally and personally after they've finished this book. The author not only offers the reader an in-depth analysis of Brooks career, she also places it in the context of everything going on along music row at the time, discussing both artists who influenced Garth, as well as the careers of many of his "Class of '89" contemporaries, and also the next generation of performers who have risen to prominence in the wake of his retirement. In short, she paints a comprehensive picture of Country Music in the '90's. It's this aspect of The Garth Factor that elevates it above the realm of mere Biography and makes it a work of serious scholarship. This book is essential reading for every serious student of the genre, and even casual fans of Garth, or those who came of age listening to Country Music in the last two decades will find much to enjoy.