That Time Garth Brooks Was Accused of Plagiarism

In 1998, a singer-songwriter named Guy Thomas filed suit against Garth Brooks and his record label to decide if Brooks plagiarized Kenny Loggins' song "Conviction of the Heart," which Thomas co-wrote.

What Song Got Garth Brooks Sued?

The plaintiff argued that Brooks' 1993 song "Standing Outside the Fire" borrowed liberally from the Loggins tune.

Loggins released "Conviction of the Heart" in 1991 as the first single from his album Leap of Faith.

Brooks released "Standing Outside the Fire" in 1993 as the third single from his album, In Pieces.

It was surely a bizarre courtroom scene when Brooks showed up to court with his guitar, prepared to sing the song for the U.S. District Court judge.

How Did the Garth Brooks/Kenny Loggins Lawsuit Turn Out?

Opening arguments were set to begin before the two sides hashed out the details, according to Reuters.

The singer says he didn't learn a thing from the experience, except "just keep on doing what I'm doing and if that throws you in here (court), well, you've just got to stand up for what you believe."

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks is the most successful country entertainer of all time, and his long career is full of lore and incredible stories. But there's a few fun facts about the star that even his most dedicated fans might not know. Read on to test your Garth Brooks trivia knowledge!

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

11 Stunning Secrets of Garth Brooks, "Friends In Low Places"

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.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Source: When Garth Brooks Was Accused of Plagiarism

Filed Under: Garth Brooks