Garth Brooks Raises Charity Cash And Helps Economy

Country music legend Garth Brooks not only raised millions of dollars for charity last month, but also boosted the local Nashville economy.

The singer performed a nine shows at the Bridgestone Arena with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in December, which raised over $3 million for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to benefit those affected by the Nashville floods in May that killed 22 people and caused $2 billion damage.

City officials have estimated that – by taking into account hotel revenue, parking and other services – the shows have generated a further $10 million to the city’s economy.

“I have watched with great pride how the volunteer state has pulled together to rise above the damage suffered by the floods,” said Brooks. "It was a small church sign in Hendersonville that changed my life decades ago when I read, ‘Character is not created in crisis…it is revealed.’ Tennessee has shown amazing character through all of this and it is an honor to get to be a part of the healing process.

“We are following in the footsteps of who already set the example. We are all Tennesseans helping Tennessee.”