Garth Brooks is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 170 million albums sold worldwide according to the RIAA. His influence on country music is undeniable, and his fan base spans generations. Yet when listeners search for his catalog on Spotify, they quickly realize something is missing: his music.
So, why isn’t Garth Brooks on Spotify when nearly every other major artist—from Taylor Swift to The Beatles—is available? The answer lies in Brooks’ long-standing philosophy about music ownership, his approach to streaming, and his exclusive partnerships.
Garth Brooks’ Philosophy on Music Ownership
From the beginning of his career, Brooks has been outspoken about the value of music and the importance of artists maintaining control over their work. Unlike many contemporary artists, he views music not just as a product to be streamed but as an art form that deserves fair compensation.
In a 2017 Billboard interview, Brooks explained that his hesitation toward streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music was rooted in concerns over how much artists get paid. Spotify typically pays between $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, which Brooks has publicly suggested undervalues the creative process.
He has emphasized multiple times that he wants listeners to experience albums as complete works rather than fragmented singles shuffled into playlists—something that streaming culture naturally encourages.
The Amazon Music Exclusive Deal
The most direct reason you can’t find Garth Brooks on Spotify is his exclusive deal with Amazon Music.
In 2016, Brooks partnered with Amazon to make his entire catalog available on Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music. At the time, Amazon was aggressively expanding its music streaming service, and Brooks saw the opportunity to collaborate with a company willing to work with him on his terms.
Brooks explained that Amazon offered flexibility and respect for his vision of album-based listening. Unlike Spotify, which heavily pushes playlist culture, Amazon Music gave him the space to highlight complete albums, live recordings, and special editions.
This exclusivity deal remains one of the largest differentiators in the streaming world. If fans want to stream Garth Brooks legally, Amazon Music Unlimited is currently the only platform where they can do so.
Why Not Spotify?
To understand why Garth Brooks specifically avoids Spotify, it’s important to look at the streaming giant’s business model:
Low Payout Rates
Artists, especially those with leverage like Brooks, often feel Spotify underpays compared to the revenue generated from their music.Playlists vs. Albums
Spotify thrives on curated playlists. Brooks prefers fans to engage with his music as an album experience, much like vinyl or CDs.Exclusivity Conflicts
Spotify does not generally enter into artist-exclusive arrangements. For Brooks, who values curated control and visibility, this makes Amazon a better fit.Artist-Friendly Image
Brooks has always been a champion of fellow musicians. By resisting Spotify’s system, he takes a symbolic stance in favor of fairer artist treatment.
Fan Impact and Workarounds
For fans, the absence of Garth Brooks on Spotify has been frustrating. According to Statista (2023), Spotify has over 550 million monthly active users. Missing out on that audience is a massive cultural gap, especially for younger listeners who primarily consume music through streaming.
Fans often turn to alternatives:
Amazon Music Unlimited: The only legal way to stream his catalog.
YouTube: Live performances and some official videos are uploaded by Brooks and his team.
Physical Media: Brooks continues to sell box sets, CDs, and vinyl records, often bundled with exclusive artwork or bonus content.
Will Garth Brooks Ever Be on Spotify?
The big question fans keep asking: will Brooks ever change his stance?
So far, there is no indication that Brooks plans to make his catalog available on Spotify. His Amazon deal continues to be strong, and he has repeatedly doubled down on his commitment to the platform.
However, music industry trends are shifting. Artists like Taylor Swift, who once pulled her catalog from Spotify, eventually returned after negotiations improved revenue sharing and visibility. If Spotify adapts its payout structure or offers more artist-centered solutions, Brooks might reconsider.
For now, the answer to why isn’t Garth Brooks on Spotify remains simple: it’s a combination of philosophical belief, business strategy, and exclusive partnerships.
FAQs
1. Can I listen to Garth Brooks on Spotify at all?
No. Garth Brooks has never licensed his music to Spotify.
2. Where can I stream Garth Brooks legally?
His full catalog is available exclusively on Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music.
3. Why does Garth Brooks prefer Amazon over Spotify?
Amazon gave him flexibility to present full albums, better control over how his music is distributed, and a financial arrangement that aligned with his values.
4. Has Garth Brooks ever commented directly on Spotify?
Yes. Brooks has stated that Spotify’s model doesn’t align with his philosophy on fair artist compensation and the way music should be consumed.
5. Is there any chance his music will be on Spotify in the future?
It’s possible but unlikely in the short term. Unless Spotify changes its business model or Brooks’ Amazon deal ends, fans should not expect a sudden catalog release.
Conclusion
The question “why isn’t Garth Brooks on Spotify?” isn’t just about one artist avoiding a platform—it’s about the larger conversation surrounding how streaming platforms value music. Brooks has chosen Amazon Music because it aligns with his belief in respecting both the album format and fair artist compensation.
While fans may be disappointed by his absence on Spotify, his decision reflects a strong stance in an industry where many artists feel pressured to conform. If you want to enjoy his legendary discography, Amazon Music Unlimited remains your go-to option.
