Garth Brooks

Pearl Records' Garth Brooks will become a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors during the 43rd annual celebration, taking place in Washington, DC, in May. Brooks will be honored alongside four fellow recipients: choreographer/actress/dancer Debbie Allen, singer/songwriter Joan Baez, violinist Midori and actor Dick Van Dyke. In making the announcement, event organizers noted that Brooks has “heightened Country music’s profile like no other singer before him,” noting his status as “one of the world’s best-selling music artists,” and adding, “Each of the 43rd Kennedy Center Honorees and their work continues to speak to American culture and our national fortitude.” Brooks has performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in the past, with salutes to honorees Loretta Lynn in 2003, George Jones in 2008, Billy Joel in 2013, and James Taylor in 2016. The honors are traditionally held in December, but were pushed to Spring this year due to COVID-19. 

“I’m humble," said Brooks. "I’m proud. I’m all the good things. But [I’m] probably most excited and most proud for Country music. Any chance you get to wave that flag among the many other flags of entertainment – not only in this country, but around the world – that’s always an honor.”

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