The Legendary Country Music Duo Brooks and Dunn

The Legendary Country Music Duo: Brooks & Dunn

In the world of country music, few acts have achieved the level of fame and success as the duo Brooks & Dunn. Consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, Brooks & Dunn burst onto the country music scene in the early 1990s and quickly became one of the genre's most popular and best-selling acts.

The Beginning of Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn first teamed up in 1990 after both had experienced some success as solo artists. Kix Brooks was originally from Louisiana and had worked as a songwriter in Nashville for years. Ronnie Dunn grew up in Texas and came to Nashville after playing in local bands around Tulsa. When the two joined forces, their shared love of honky tonk and rock-infused country music led them to develop a signature sound that appealed to country fans eager for a modern, high-energy approach to the genre.

Rise to Stardom

The duo released their debut album, Brand New Man, in 1991. Fueled by four straight #1 hits including the title track, the album was a smash success. It became the best-selling debut album of all time by a country duo and launched Brooks & Dunn firmly into the spotlight. Over the next several years, hits like "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "My Maria," and "Neon Moon" kept their momentum going strong.

For the remainder of the 1990s, Brooks & Dunn solidified their status as country music's premiere duo. They won the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year award every year from 1992 to 2006 except for 2000. They also won the ACM Vocal Duo award four times in the 1990s. Singles like "Believe" and "Ain't Nothing 'Bout You" showcased the pair's rocking sound and tight harmonies.

Continued Success in the 2000s

As Brooks & Dunn entered the 2000s, they continued releasing chart-topping albums and hit singles. Their unique mix of country, rock, and honky tonk kept fans coming back album after album. Major hits from this era include "Only in America," "Red Dirt Road," and "Hillbilly Deluxe."

The duo also explored new collaborations during the 2000s. In 2004, they teamed up with Dale Earnhardt Jr. to record a special version of "If You See Him/If You See Her" called "If You See Him/If You See Dale" as a tribute to the NASCAR driver's late father. It demonstrated Brooks & Dunn's appeal beyond just country music fans.

Brooks & Dunn's Honky Tonk Truth

Even after 20 years together, Brooks & Dunn showed no signs of slowing down in the late 2000s. Their 2007 album Cowboy Town featured their signature honky tonk style on tracks like "Proud of the House We Built." And in 2009, they released what would become their final studio album together, #1s...and Then Some. The album featured a new single called "Honky Tonk Stomp" that reached #2 on the country charts.

On the album, Brooks & Dunn also teamed up once again with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on a new version of "Honky Tonk Truth" called "Honky Tonk Truth (Double Krossed Over)." The high-energy song spoke to the duo's authentic honky tonk spirit and served as a full-circle moment over a decade after their first collaboration with Earnhardt.

The End of an Era

In 2010, Brooks & Dunn announced they would be splitting up and embarking on one final tour together. They cited a desire to pursue solo projects after 20 incredibly successful years as a duo. After a nationwide tour that stretched into 2011, Brooks & Dunn played their final show together in Nashville in September of that year.

Brooks & Dunn leave behind an incredible legacy as country music's most awarded and best-selling duo. Hits like "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Neon Moon," and "Believe" have become country classics. Their signature blend of honky tonk, rock, and retro country sounds influenced countless country acts that followed. Though Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks may now be solo, their impact as Brooks & Dunn on country music is undeniable.

FAQs

How did Brooks & Dunn get started?

Brooks & Dunn first came together in 1990 when solo artists Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn decided to team up. They shared a love of honky tonk and rock-infused country music and this became their signature sound.

What made Brooks & Dunn so popular?

Brooks & Dunn had an energetic, modern country sound that appealed to country fans in the 1990s. Hits like "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and "Neon Moon" showcased their tight harmonies and mix of country, rock and honky tonk.

Why did Brooks & Dunn break up?

After 20 very successful years together, Brooks & Dunn decided to pursue solo careers in 2010. They embarked on a farewell tour in 2010-2011 before playing their final show as a duo in Nashville in September 2011.