At the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2021, the spotlight turned toward one of country music’s most influential and transformative figures — Garth Brooks.

Known for his electrifying performances, record-breaking tours, and a career that has spanned more than three decades, Brooks had not only revolutionized country music but also brought it to audiences across the world in a way that few artists have.

Unlike his usual role as a performer commanding stadiums and arenas, Brooks found himself in the rare position of being honored, celebrated not just for his technical skill but for the cultural and emotional impact he has had on millions of fans.

The evening was dedicated to recognizing his contributions to music, to American culture, and to the hearts of fans who have followed him since the late 1980s. Actor Bradley Cooper set the tone for the night with a heartfelt introduction. “There’s country music, rock, gospel, honky-tonk… and then there’s Garth Brooks,” he…