Garth Brooks has long been vocal about his admiration for acoustic singer-songwriters, citing icons like James Taylor and Dan Fogelberg as foundational influences on his musical style. However, many fans may not realize that one of his most significant crossover hits was actually penned by the legendary folk-rock troubadour Bob Dylan.
The history of the song “To Make You Feel My Love” is a whirlwind of high-profile recordings. In 1997, Billy Joel—another of Brooks’ musical favorites—became the first to release the track for his Greatest Hits Volume III. Just two months later, Dylan himself included his own version on the critically acclaimed album Time Out of Mind.
Brooks’ connection to the song began in 1998 when he recorded it for the soundtrack of the film Hope Floats, starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. The movie premiered on May 19, 1998, and the song quickly became synonymous with the film’s emotional core. The track was later added as a bonus single to Brooks’ Fresh Horses album in his limited series box set and subsequent pressings.
In a unique twist for the Hope Floats soundtrack, Trisha Yearwood also recorded a version of “To Make You Feel My Love.” While Brooks’ rendition served as the album’s opening track, Yearwood’s performance provided the closing note. Brooks’ version was released to country radio and achieved massive success, reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on August 1, 1998. It also found a home on the Adult Contemporary charts, peaking at No. 8.
The industry recognition for the song was equally impressive. Brooks earned a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, while Bob Dylan received a nod for Best Country Song as the songwriter.
Garth Brooks’ “Friend in Low Places” is a song of many legends and — as it turns out — they’re nearly all true! From the man who sold it to the woman who leaked it early (and the baby that was born as they recorded it), here are 11 stunning secrets about this 1990 hit.