Brooks & Dunn Biography

Brooks & Dunn is an American country music duo composed of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, both of whom are vocalists and songwriters. The duo was formed in 1988 through the suggestion of songwriter and record producer Tim DuBois. Prior to their formation, both members had solo recording careers, with each charting two solo singles in the 1980s. Brooks also released an album for Capitol Records in 1989 and wrote hit singles for other artists.

The duo signed with Arista Nashville and has recorded eleven studio albums, one Christmas album, and five compilation albums for the label. They have released 50 singles, of which 20 reached number one on the Hot Country Songs charts and 19 more reached the top 10. Their music often combines elements of honky-tonk, mainstream country, and rock, and is known for the contrast between their singing voices and on-stage personalities.

Brooks & Dunn's debut album, Brand New Man, was released in 1991 and was an immediate success, spawning four number one hits and eventually going six times platinum. The album earned the duo the CMA Duo of the Year Award in 1992. They went on to create a series of successful albums and singles, including "My Maria," "Ain't Nothing 'bout You," and "Red Dirt Road." Several of their songs have also reached the Billboard Hot 100, with "Ain't Nothing 'bout You" and "Red Dirt Road" peaking at number 25.

The duo's success has been recognized with numerous awards, including two Grammys, 17 Country Music Association Awards, and 26 Academy of Country Music Awards. They won the Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year award every year between 1992 and 2006, except for 2000, and again in 2024. In 2019, the duo was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

After announcing their retirement in 2009, Brooks & Dunn performed their final concert on September 2, 2010, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. However, they reunited in 2014 to perform alongside Reba McEntire for a series of shows in Las Vegas. They have also collaborated with other artists, including Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, and Luke Combs.

In recent years, Brooks & Dunn have continued to work together, releasing new music and performing live. In 2024, they released the album "Reboot II," which includes re-recordings of their previous hit singles with other country music artists, including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney. The duo remains one of the most successful country music duos in recent memory, with a legacy of hit songs and awards.