GARTH BROOKS CELEBRATES AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC AND IS RECOGNIZED FOR HIS ROLE IN IT

What do you do when you’re in the nation’s capital…surrounded by history…having just celebrated a history-making achievement of your own? You continue the celebration!

That’s what Garth Brooks did at a special event celebrating American music, taking the stage in support of the National Archives Foundation’s efforts to foster a greater understanding of America’s heritage as the nation marks 250 years of existence and independence this year.

“I would play for that crowd every night,” said Garth, who was clearly honored and humbled by the task he was asked to undertake – showcasing American popular music from the past 70 years. Not an easy assignment…especially in front of a room full of music industry heavyweights. But with his singular gift for performing – and his immense appreciation for musicmakers of all kinds – he rose to the occasion…and found himself with the industry crowd in the palm of his hand.

In words and song, Garth touched on everyone – Elvis Presley…country legends Merle Haggard and George Jones…soul and R&B icons Bill Withers and Otis Redding. He cited the influence of such greats as James Taylor, Bob Seger and “King George” Strait. But it was Garth’s own songs that the crowd made their own, proving once again why he’s the #1 selling artist in music history (as celebrated and announced the day before). A music industry gathering turned into a full-blown honky-tonk revival between the Artist of a Lifetime and his friends in – clearly – all places.

“They were so sweet!” Garth exclaimed afterward. “Industry crowds are supposed to be boring, [but] that crowd…they were AWESOME!”

Garth’s invitation to participate in this momentous celebration came from RIAA SVP Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones. “Jackie is one of those rare people in the industry who you can do a deal with on a handshake,” says Garth, who jumped at the chance and found himself gratified that he did. “I was humbled by how Jackie and Mitch (Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO) and the entire RIAA treated Miss Yearwood, me and our party.”

The event was presented by the National Archives Foundation and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), who just named Garth the unequaled Artist of a Lifetime as the only artist ever to earn 10 RIAA Diamond album certifications for the incredible sales of such iconic albums as Double Live, The Hits, No Fences and Ropin’ The Wind.

Garth, who was saluted for those milestones a day earlier, was surprised with an additional reason to celebrate prior to his performance – a massive plaque commemorating his achievement of tallying the most albums in Gold and Platinum history, all of them adding up to his unmatched career of over 200-million certified album sales!