Garth Brooks' Iconic No. 1 Hit 'The Thunder Rolls' Was Mired in Controversy

Garth Brooks is the very definition of a legend. He dominated country in the '90s, becoming practically synonymous with the genre. He burst onto the scene with his self-titled debut in 1989, but it was his sophomore effort, No Fences, that catapulted Brooks into the musical stratosphere and put him on the map.

Released on Aug. 27, 1990, the record peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and is still Brooks' best-selling album to this day. Three of its singles would also become the artist's most popular, most enduring tracks: the blue-collar anthem "Friends in Low Places," the ballad "Unanswered Prayers," and the country-rock tune "The Thunder Rolls." The latter was released as the fourth single from Brooks' second studio album on April 30, 1991, and it held the distinction of being his sixth No. 1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.

Brooks co-wrote "The Thunder Rolls" with Pat Alger. Originally, country icon Tanya Tucker recorded the song before Brooks, on Jan. 5, 1989, which included a fourth verse written by Brooks and Alger about infidelity and mariticide. However, Tucker put the recording on the back burner, instead including it in her 1995 box set.

Then, Brooks recorded the song for No Fences. His producer, Allen Reynolds, urged Brooks to do away with the tune's fourth verse. Brooks would often perform "The Thunder Rolls" live with that fourth verse, though. When it came time to film the music video, Brooks incorporated visual themes alluding to the fourth verse. The singer-songwriter and musician decided to play the cheating husband in the music video, too.

Prior to the music video's release, a screening full of women in the industry lauded "The Thunder Rolls" as a profound statement against domestic violence. Country Music Television (CMT) and The Nashville Network (TNN) premiered the music video on the same day as the single's release. However, TNN banned the video the following day, with CMT hot on its heels. TNN offered to return the video to its airplay schedule if Brooks added a disclaimer. Brooks refused to read the script TNN wrote for him and would not compromise his vision.

TV and radio stations, newspapers, and bars began requesting access to "The Thunder Rolls" music video. Radio stations organized fundraisers for women's shelters while holding screenings. Eventually, women's shelters reached out to Capitol Records to thank them for raising awareness for domestic violence.

Then, six days later, VH-1 scooped up the music video for "The Thunder Rolls," vowing to play it on the channel. The video went on to win the CMA Video of the Year award that fall, and it was even nominated for a Grammy for "Best Music Video-Short Form."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 5:33 PM.