Garth Brooks has been added to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The ‘Friends in Low Places’ star – who has sold over 128 million albums – is one of three musicians to be added to the hall in Nashville, Tennessee, this year, alongside Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins and Connie Smith.
Receiving his induction on Tuesday (06.03.12) Garth said: ”This is a day of joy and a day of honour. I still can’t believe it.
Garth added he felt a little ”guilty” of being inducted to the Hall before some of his influences, such as Randy Travis and the late Keith Whitley.
He said: ”There are so many deserving artists that came before me who are yet to be inducted. I am astounded and honoured to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins became blind aged four but went on to become one of the most accomplished session pianists and keyboardists in country history, playing on tracks by artists including Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers.
Connie became the first female artist to hit number one with a debut single in the US and was once named by Dolly Parton as one of the three best singers in the world.
Garth is credited with modernising the country genre with his spectacular stage shows and tackling difficult subject matter in his songs. He was named Artist of the Decade for the 1990s by the Academy of Country Music and is one of the few country artists to enjoy worldwide success.