The Other Half of Brooks & Dunn: Ronnie Dunn and His Success

A Star is Born

The son of a country music enthusiast, Ronnie Gene Dunn first saw the light of this world on June 1, 1953. He was born in Coleman, Texas, and later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was raised. During his teenage years, Dunn started his music career joining his father and his band. While studying at Abilene Christian College, he was expelled from school for performing in “honky tonks“. Nonetheless, he went on to draw attention with his performances in Tulsa nightclubs.

In the early 80’s, Dunn recorded songs for Churchill Records. However, none of these fared well. Four years later, he appeared in the Marlboro National Country Music talent contest leading him a chance to go to Nashville, Tennessee. This event led him to meet the best partner in his music career, Kix Brooks.

Brooks & Dunn: The Most Successful Country Music Duo

Ronnie Dunn joined Louisianan native Leon Eric “Kix” Brooks to create Brooks & Dunn, the most successful country music duo of the 90’s. In 1991, the duo released their first album, Brand New Man. The album was well-received by country music fans. It sold more than 6 million copies. In addition, the first two singles, “Brand New Man” and “My Next Broken Heart“,  penetrated the top spots on the Billboard Country Music charts.

As a duo, Brooks & Dunn have amassed accolades at the start of their career. They’ve stormed the charts placing over 20 songs in the Top Ten charts. In 1996, the Country Music Association awarded the duo the Entertainer of the Year award. Most noteworthy, they have shared Duo of the Year honors from the CMA for eight consecutive years, and from the ACM for seven consecutive years. They hold the most awards in the Academy of Country Music history with over 30 awards in total.

The Split of the Duo, Dunn’s Solo Career

Brooks & Dunn announced an amicable split in 2009 which shocked and saddened many country music fans. The following year, they staged their farewell concert and tour across the country. Dunn was the first to have launched his solo career. He released his self-produced eponymous solo album in 2011.

Maintaining his musical charisma, Dunn’s 2011 single, “Bleed Red” debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Country Music charts. Three years later, he released his album, Peace, Love and Country Music. However, it didn’t gain major awards and none of its singles penetrated the Billboard Top 40. Hence, he moved to Nash Icon in 2016, and in November, he released Tattooed Heart, his 2016 album.

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