Born in Luba, Oklahoma, spirited country music superstar Troyal Garth Brooks (1962-), already a member of the Grand Ole Opry, has sold more than 100 million records in 10 years.

"Sometimes things that last forever, take forever," he once said.

Since his first hit in 1989, Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old), this bold and passionate performer has believed in the power of music. "Your songs are your swords, your power. It's amazing the size of the sword you carry."

A fan of James Taylor, Billy Joel, and the Eagles, Brook's third album, Ropin' The Wind (1991) debuted in Billboard's pop album charts at #1. 

"I'm looking for beliefs that need to be stated in this day and time," he said. "I try to let people know that they aren't working for nothing, that what they see when they close their eyes at night doesn't always have to be a dream."

Brooks has taken country music to a new level of popularity. The unstoppable powerhouse has consistently packed large venues, including New York's Central Park in 1997 with an audience of over 250,000.

I've had very fortunate luck with the charts," he said. "A lot of people call me a 'darker' kind of guy. That's cool. I love to sink in thought. I take my music very seriously."

Brooks has toyed with retirement and even put on baseball uniforms for the San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals in bids to become a big leaguer. But through it all, he has remained dedicated to his heart. He continues to make inspiring music and win record awards: Unbreakable. Relentless. And Free.

"What do I want people to remember me by?" he once asked. "To say the man was real, there was some of me in him if that makes any sense."

Your spirit is immortal.