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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBROOKS and DUNNThe most successful country duo of the '90s, formed by struggling solo singer/songwriters Kix Brooks (b Leon Eric Brooks III, 12 May '55 Shreveport LA) and Ronnie Dunn (b 1 June '53 Coleman TX). Brooks was a veteran of the honky tonks, playing gigs all over the South as well as Alaska, before moving to Nashville and obscurity in '81. Made his mark as a writer for John Conlee ('I'm Only In It For The Love'), Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ('Modern Day Romance') and Highway 101 ('Who's Lonely Now'). Recorded for Avion '83, Capitol '89 without success. Dunn also spent years on the road, thrown out of Abilene Christian College for performing in honky tonks. Moved to Tulsa and formed house band at Duke's nightclub; recorded briefly for Churchill '83; won '89 Marlboro National Talent Contest and moved to Nashville. Both were trying to land solo deals, brought together by Tim DuBois of Arista Records to form '90. First four singles topped country chart, debut album Brand New Man also helped by country dance mix of fourth single 'Boot Scootin' Boogie'. They were CMA Vocal Duo of the Year for '92--3--4 and scored more chart-toppers with 'We'll Burn That Bridge' and 'She Used To Be Mine' '93, 'Rock My World' and 'She's Not The Cheatin' Kind' '94. Hard Workin' Man '93 and Waitin' On Sundown '94 were further big hits as they toured with their rowdy blend of country, rock and boogie. |