Devoted to show business and the entertainment industry

Garth Brooks has scheduled an event in Nashville on August 17-18, inviting radio programmers from around the country to attend. On August 18, he has also scheduled a press conference to talk about the details of his newest release.

One thing for sure, the last two years of offering his music exclusively at Wal-Mart (WMT) are over, as he's set to offer his work to all retailers. Billboard reports an unusual step in that his Pearl Records imprint will evidently be self-distributed.

It seems some retailers are still bitter about Brooks working only through Wal-Mart the last couple years, and aren't sure whether they'll stock the albums. I think that's a lot of smoke and mirrors. Brooks won't be hurt by it and his fans won't care where they get the music, as long as they get it. The only ones being hurt would be the retailers themselves.

There is also some speculations on if Brooks will offer some concerts with the introduction of his new albus. Rumors say he may do an extended run in one market. In the past Brooks has said he won't do any complete tours until his youngest daughter graduates from high school in 2015. Knowing Brooks, I don't think that'll be a promise he'll break.

Garth Brooks - Unanswered Prayers

If he were to do some type of concert though, the single market would make sense and would limit it to probably somewhere near his children.

The retail outlets are saying the new release will be a three-disc set, "The Ultimate Garth Brooks," scheduled to launch on November 6 or 13. There will be two CDs with greatest hits focus, and four new songs included. There will also be a DVD with video, with a lot of that recent footage.

In September the first new single from the set will be released.

Brooks, who has ownership of his music catalog, is also said to be rereleasing catalog titles as well.