The Man Behind Garth Brooks’ Biggest Hits Just Passed Away — And Most Fans Don’t Even Know His Name 💔🎶
He never lived in Nashville.
He wasn’t chasing fame.
But without Larry Bastian, Garth Brooks’ rise to superstardom might have looked very different.
While some songwriters are household names, Bastian was the quiet force behind some of country music’s most powerful hits — and his story is as humble as it is legendary.
🎵 A Legacy Written in Lyrics
You may not know his face, but you’ve definitely heard his words.
Bastian co-wrote “Unanswered Prayers”, one of Garth Brooks’ most beloved No. 1 singles — a track that’s become a cornerstone of Brooks’ career and a fan favorite across generations.
He also penned the unforgettable “Rodeo” all by himself, another chart-topping smash that showcased Garth’s wild side and Larry’s raw storytelling power.
Other tracks like “Cowboy Bill,” “Nobody Gets Off in This Town,” and “I’ve Got a Good Thing Going” from Garth’s debut album? All touched by Bastian’s hand.
🌾 The Cowboy Who Stayed Home
Unlike many hitmakers, Larry never moved to Music City.
Born and raised in Springville, California, he worked as a biologist for the Department of Agriculture and lived the cowboy life before ever picking up a guitar.
He rubbed elbows with the likes of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard — not in glitzy venues, but backstage at small-town shows where he’d share his songs with artists who believed in his talent.
✍️ More Than Just Garth
Before and after Brooks, Bastian wrote for legends like:
Willie Nelson
Reba McEntire
George Jones
Tammy Wynette
Vern Gosdin
Tracy Byrd
His first Top 40 hit came in 1981 with “Sometimes I Cry Alone” (Sammi Smith), and his last notable chart success was with Sammy Kershaw in the ‘90s.
Still, he never chased the spotlight. He stayed in Porterville, the same town where he graduated high school in 1952 — and where he passed away on April 6th at the age of 90.
🗣️ A True Original
When asked why he never moved to Nashville, Bastian once said:
“Because I didn’t want to write like all the other people in Nashville. I wanted to stay connected to the country.”
That spirit — independent, honest, and rooted in the real world — is exactly what gave his songs their timeless soul.
Larry Bastian may not be in the Songwriters Hall of Fame,
but his words have already carved their place in the heart of country music forever.
