Capitol Records Honors Garth Brooks With Gala Celebration; 100 Million Party Salutes Brooks as Best-Selling Solo Artist of the Century.

Entertainment Editors & Music Writers

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2000

Capitol Records will host a lavish, once-in-a-lifetime party on October 26 to honor Garth Brooks for selling more than 100 million albums in the U.S. in a decade. He is the only recording artist to accomplish this phenomenal feat. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Brooks is also the fastest selling artist in RIAA history, and the only artist with four albums that have sold over ten million copies each (No Fences, Ropin' The Wind, The Hits, and Double Live). At the party Brooks will be officially recognized by the RIAA as the solo artist of the century, and the biggest-selling solo artist in the history of American music.

"This night will mean so much for me because, finally, 99% of the people responsible for reaching this historical mark will be in one room together," said Brooks. "It will be a night of class and respect, and I feel very lucky to be there."

"It is very rare for an artist to become one of the most respected musicians and performers of his generation," said Ken Berry, CEO, EMI Recorded Music. "It is unique for that artist to go on to sell over 100 million copies of his records in the U.S. in only 10 years. That artist is Garth Brooks, and I am very proud EMI and Capitol have had the opportunity to work with him throughout his entire recording career. He has already received all the accolades the music industry can bestow on him, and his distinction as best selling solo artist of the century is a fitting tribute to what is just his first decade."

"Garth Brooks has earned many achievements, awards and accomplishments. We will honor all of these on October 26," said Roy Lott, President and CEO, Capitol Records Group. "The ultimate certification as being `The Best Selling Solo Artist of the Century' proves that Garth's fans have unparalleled loyalty for him. They appreciate not only his talent as an artist, but also his unwavering dedication to connecting with his fans and giving them music that they love. Garth's recordings have messages that touch everyone, all ages, all walks of life: enjoy life to its fullest; look forward, not backwards; strive for excellence...always; be a team player; and remember the golden rule. Everyone at Capitol Records is extremely lucky to have participated in bringing Garth's music to the world. He is truly a legend."

Those celebrating Brooks' history-making achievement at the black-tie event, in addition to Capitol Records executives and employees, will be songwriters, studio musicians, band and crew members, music and entertainment industry executives, members of the media, fellow artists and others who have supported Brooks in his career. Celebrities from the world of music and sports will make a red-carpet arrival.

The Nashville Arena, home of the NHL Predators and the site of Brooks' three sold-out performances in 1998, will be transformed into an elegant ballroom for the evening. The decor will include photos and mementos from Brooks' career, including all 100 of his platinum record plaques. A video montage tracing highlights of his musical life, including some never-before-seen footage, will also be shown.

Brooks has received every accolade the recording industry can bestow on an artist, including: 2 Grammys, 16 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 5 World Music Awards, and 10 People's Choice Awards (including Favorite Male Musical Performer for the past 8 years). He was named Artist of the `90s at the 1997 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, received the Artist Achievement Award at the 1997 Billboard Music Awards, and was named Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards in 2000 and the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1999.

For more information, including a Garth Brooks fact sheet and discography, contact: Karen Byrd or Nancy Henderson, Capitol Records/Nashville: 615/269-2000 or Michele Cucci, Capitol Records/New York: 212/253-3190, Judi Kerr, Capitol Records/Los Angeles: 323/871-5375