The Hungry Years

The Hungry Years (1986) is an unofficial, import-only compilation of live recordings of Garth Brooks performing in Oklahoma bars in 1986, prior to his major record deal.

In 1986, after an unsuccessful initial trip to Nashville, Garth Brooks returned to Oklahoma and continued to perform in local clubs, most notably Willie's Saloon in Stillwater. The recordings that make up The Hungry Years originated from tapes circulated among fans of these local performances. These early live tracks feature Brooks covering a variety of artists, including Bob Seger, Billy Joel, and Jerry Jeff Walker, giving a picture of his diverse musical influences.