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Introduction
The relationship between Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, the iconic duo Brooks & Dunn, has undergone significant evolution over the years, marked by an initial skepticism, immense success, a publicized breakup, and ultimately, a reunion built on renewed respect and appreciation.
Early Days: An Unlikely Pairing When they first came together in the late 1980s, the idea of a duo was met with hesitation by both Brooks and Dunn. They were both solo artists in their late 30s/early 40s, each having pursued individual careers with limited success. A record label executive, Tim DuBois, suggested they try writing together, envisioning them as a songwriting team. Neither initially intended to form a performing duo. Their first songwriting sessions, however, unexpectedly yielded two number-one hits, leading them to realize the potential of their collaboration despite their very different personalities – Brooks the energetic showman, and Dunn the more reserved, powerful vocalist.
The Height of Success and Growing Tensions For two decades, Brooks & Dunn dominated country music, becoming the most awarded duo in the genre’s history. They sold millions of albums and racked up an impressive string of No. 1 singles. However, behind the scenes, their relationship wasn’t always as smooth as their polished image suggested. They have openly admitted to periods of tension and friction, to the point where they sometimes recorded separately and considered quitting much earlier than their official 2009 breakup. This tension stemmed not necessarily from personal drama, but from their individual desires to pursue their own creative paths and the pressures of being constantly together on the road.
The Breakup and Solo Ventures In 2009, Brooks & Dunn announced their retirement, citing a need for a break. Both Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn embarked on solo careers, releasing their own albums. While they maintained a friendly relationship, Ronnie Dunn initially expressed strong sentiment about never reuniting as a duo, famously joking, “When hell freezes over.”
The Reunion and Evolved Dynamic The “hell freezing over” moment came in 2015 when Reba McEntire invited them to join her for a Las Vegas residency. This marked their reunion and proved to be a turning point. The time apart allowed them to gain perspective and appreciate what they had as a duo. They realized they missed the collaborative energy and the connection with their fans as Brooks & Dunn.
Their relationship now is characterized by a deep mutual respect and a more relaxed approach. They’ve acknowledged their past ups and downs candidly, admitting they’ve “gone through many ups and downs over the years.” The reunion, and subsequent projects like their “Reboot” album (2019) where they re-recorded hits with younger artists, demonstrate a renewed enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace their legacy while also evolving. They continue to tour and engage with their music, enjoying the camaraderie and the shared experience of performing together, a dynamic that has matured significantly from their initial, somewhat reluctant, partnership.