Introduction
Ronnie Dunn, half of the legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn, has recently opened up about his musical journey and the evolution of the duo. At 72, Dunn reflects on the duo’s legacy and their recent resurgence in the country music scene. In 2024, Brooks & Dunn released REBOOT II, a follow-up to their 2019 album REBOOT, featuring collaborations with artists like Kacey Musgraves, Marcus King, and Jelly Roll. The album showcases a raw and unrestrained production process, encouraging featured artists to bring their own style into the studio. Dunn emphasized the duo’s renewed focus on songwriting, stating, “We need to play with that a little bit”.
The duo’s journey began in 1990 when Dunn teamed up with Kix Brooks to form Brooks & Dunn. Their debut album, Brand New Man, released in 1991, was certified six-times platinum by the RIAA. Over the years, they released 12 studio albums, two greatest-hits albums, and a Christmas album, selling over 30 million albums and achieving 20 number-one singles on Billboard.
Despite their success, the duo announced a temporary disbandment in 2009, with plans to reunite in 2014. Their 2015 reunion tour with Reba McEntire marked a significant moment in their career, reaffirming their place in country music history. As they continue to create and perform, Dunn remains a pivotal figure in the evolution of Brooks & Dunn, blending tradition with innovation in the country music landscape.