On this day in 1962, Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brooks began his professional career in 1985, singing and playing guitar in Oklahoma clubs and bars, most notably Wild Willie’s Saloon in Stillwater. Later that year, Brooks traveled to Nashville to pursue a recording contract; he returned to Oklahoma within 24 hours. In 1987, Brooks and wife Sandy Mahl moved to Nashville, and Brooks began making contacts in the music industry.

Later that year, Brooks traveled to Nashville to pursue a recording contract; he returned to Oklahoma within 24 hours. In 1987, Brooks and wife Sandy Mahl moved to Nashville, and Brooks began making contacts in the music industry. The rest is history.

Happy birthday, Garth Brooks!