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November 05, 2007 BACK   Print   Email

RIAA Presents Garth Brooks With Special Career Award Representing Highest Selling Solo Artist

Brooks propelled to top spot with 123 million albums sold; additional Diamond Awards presented for Sevens and Garth Brooks
LOS ANGELES – The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today presented recording artist Garth Brooks with a special Career Award, representing Brooks’ position as the new top-selling solo artist in recorded history as part of the RIAA’s Gold and Platinum program. The presentation took place on Garth Brooks’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside Brooks’ longtime record label, Capitol Records.

In addition to the special Career Award, RIAA presented Brooks with two Diamond Awards – signifying sales of more than 10 million copies each – for albums Sevens and Garth Brooks. Brooks’ full Gold and Platinum Awards roster, including four additional Diamond Awards for albums No Fences (1990), Ropin the Wind (1991), The Hits (1994) and Double Live (1998), propel Brooks to the top spot, outpacing Elvis Presley to sell 123 million total albums to date.

“Garth Brooks is a music icon whose enthusiasm for music and performing continues to inspire fans of all ages,” said Mitch Bainwol, CEO of the RIAA. “His ability to reach across different genres and produce timeless music is a testament to his enormous talent, and the excitement he brings with every song he performs gets at the heart of why people love music. We are honored to present the Career Award to Garth for his deserved success.”

“I’m very proud for the music, the writers, and the players,” said Brooks. “This award reflects the magnitude of the country audience and what they can accomplish when they act together. Mostly, I am proud for country music and take honor in playing a part in bringing this milestone to rest under the flag of country music.”

All RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. Complete lists of all album, single, mastertone and video awards can also be accessed at www.riaa.com.

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The Recording Industry Association of America is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States. In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect intellectual property rights worldwide and the First Amendment rights of artists; conducts consumer, industry and technical research; and monitors and reviews state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, and Diamond sales awards, as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

Contact:
Jonathan Lamy
Cara Duckworth
Liz Kennedy
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