1.
Let's start with an introduction: What's Garth's real first name?
Correct Answer
C. Troyal
Explanation
Troyal Garth Brooks was named after his father, Troyal Raymond Brooks, Jr.
2.
Brooks received a scholarship to Oklahoma State University for what sport?
Correct Answer
A. Track and field
Explanation
The future country star was mighty handy at throwing the javelin.
3.
Before striking it big in Nashville, Brooks worked as what?
Correct Answer
B. Bouncer
Explanation
Brooks worked as a bouncer at a concert venue in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is where he reportedly met his first wife, Sandy Mahl.
4.
Where does Brooks rank on the list of top-selling country artists of all time? (Note: All sales-related questions in this quiz refer to U.S. sales.)
Correct Answer
A. No. 1
Explanation
Brooks is No. 1 by a mile. He's sold some 136 million albums in the U.S., which is nearly twice as many as his closest country competitor, George Strait.
5.
Looking beyond just country, which of these legendary pop singers has outsold Brooks?
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
Despite the amazing competition, Brooks stands as the top-selling solo artist of all time in the U.S.
6.
Which of these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands has outsold Brooks?
Correct Answer
A. The Beatles
Explanation
Brooks has passed everyone on the list except the Fab Four.
7.
Brooks' song "We Shall be Free" won what award?
Correct Answer
C. GLAAD Media Award
Explanation
In 1993, GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) recognized the equal-rights anthem, which imagines a time "when we're free to love anyone we choose." Brooks has long shown support for gay and lesbian rights. Notably, he appeared at the Equality Rocks concert in 2000.
8.
What is the country star's best-selling album?
Correct Answer
D. "Double Live" (1998)
Explanation
But it's a bit of a trick question. The accurately titled "Double Live" is indeed a double disc affair. Thus, each copy sold actually counts as two albums in terms of record sales certification. Any way you slice it, though, 21-times platinum is one amazing accomplishment.
9.
Which of these multiplatinum concert albums have outsold Brooks' "Double Live"?
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
No other concert recording is even in the same ballpark, sales-wise, as "Double Live."
10.
What is country music's top-selling studio album of all time?
Correct Answer
B. Come On Over," Shania Twain (1997)
Explanation
Surprise! Here's the rare category that Brooks doesn't own. With 20 million copies sold, "Come On Over" has Brooks' best ("No Fences") beat by some 3 million.
11.
How many spots does Brooks occupy on the list of the Top 10 best-selling albums in country music history?
Correct Answer
C. 6
Explanation
Brooks has an amazing half-dozen albums in the Top 10. They are, in descending sales ranking, "Double Live," "No Fences, "Ropin' the Wind," "Garth Brooks," "The Hits" and "Sevens." The four non-Garth offerings are Twain's "Come On Over," "Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits," the Dixie Chicks' "Wide Open Spaces" and Twain's "Up!"
12.
Having conquered country, Brooks decided to develop a new persona and tackle the rock world in 1999. What was the name of his alter-ego?
Correct Answer
D. Chris Gaines
Explanation
The Chris Gaines period resulted in one studio album (confusingly dubbed "Greatest Hits") and a lot of head scratching. Still, Brooks was so hot at the time that the album reached double-platinum heights.
13.
What is Brooks highest-charting single on Billboard's Hot 100?
Correct Answer
C. "Lost in You"
Explanation
Never heard of it? That's probably because it was credited to Gaines. It reached No. 5 on the pop charts.
14.
What did Garth add to "Friends in Low Places" -- arguably his most famous song -- in the early '90s?
Correct Answer
B. A third verse
Explanation
It's a crowd-pleasing third verse. Yet, what the song really needed, of course, was more cowbell.
15.
Brooks tips his hat to some of his inspirations on "Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences." Which of these acts does Brooks cover on the box set?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
And how we wish more folks would cover Pure Prairie League.
16.
Which future country music legend worked in a merchandise booth at Garth Brooks shows?
Correct Answer
B. Martina McBride
Explanation
Yep, that might have been the great Martina McBride who sold you that Garth Brooks concert T-shirt circa 1990.
17.
17. Garth Brooks is married to what country music singer?
Correct Answer
A. Trisha Yearwood
Explanation
Yearwood, who also performs on the current tour.
18.
Brooks took a break from country to compete in what professional sport?
Correct Answer
B. Baseball
Explanation
Batter up! Starting in the late '90s, Brooks had spring training stints with the San Diego Padres, New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals.
19.
"Man Against Machine" is ... (fill in the blank)
Correct Answer
D. Garth Brooks' latest album
Explanation
Yeah, we're as surprised as anyone. And it hasn't exactly set the charts ablaze, at least by Brooks' lofty standards, only debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
20.
Which one of these is actually the name of a real play?
Correct Answer
A. "Are You There, Garth? It's Me, Margaret"
Explanation
"Are You There, Garth? It's Me, Margaret" is an actual play, addressing the country star's highly publicized canceled shows in Dublin, Ireland. The play opened last month at Dublin's famed Gaiety Theatre.