Chris Gaines

Garth Brooks' fictional alter ego has endured a whole lot of heartache.

"I love that project, so I'm excited," says Brooks.

On Nov. 13, 1999, Brooks performed double duty on NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'.

It's been 20 years since Brooks introduced the world to Chris Gaines.

Twenty-two years ago, Garth Brooks pivoted at the height of his fame to do something ... uh, let's call it "unexpected."