Country music legend Garth Brooks is reportedly exploring the sale of his extensive music catalogue, a deal that could command up to an astonishing $2 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Potential Sale Details
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that the potential transaction, which would encompass both his songwriting and recorded music rights, is being discussed with valuations ranging from $1 billion to over $2 billion with unidentified investors. This potential sale comes amidst a booming market for music rights, with major artists’ catalogues fetching significant sums. Sony Music, a prominent player in this space, acquired Bruce Springsteen’s entire works for $500 million in 2021 and is reportedly close to a £1 billion deal for Queen’s catalogue in 2024.
Brooks' Unparalleled Career
Brooks himself boasts an unparalleled career, having sold a record 200 million albums in the US alone, surpassing The Beatles’ 183 million, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Born Troyal Garth Brooks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he released his self-titled debut album in 1989 and achieved a No 1 single on the Hot Country Songs chart with “If Tomorrow Never Comes”. His breakthrough second album, 1990’s No Fences, included his signature song “Friends in Low Places”, “The Dance” and “The River”.
His honours include 22 Academy of Country Music Awards, two Grammy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honor and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, according to his official website.
Personal Life
Brooks has been married twice: first to songwriter Mahl, with whom he shares three daughters, Taylor, August and Allie. He also has a granddaughter, Karalynn, born to August and her partner Chance Michael Russell. Brooks and Mahl separated in 1999; their divorce was finalised two years later. He married Yearwood in 2005.
The Reuters news agency was unable to immediately verify the report, and Brooks did not respond to a request for comment.
