Ronnie Dunn Born June 1, 1953 in Coleman, Texas, he is best known as one half of the duo Brooks & Dunn , Dunn became part of one of the most successful and influential duos in country music history with Kix Brooks .
Together, they helped shape the country sound of the 1990s, combining honky-tonk energy, arena anthems, and emotional ballads that still dominate playlists and vintage country radio programs.
Before Brooks & Dunn burst onto the music scene, Dunn spent years working on his career, performing in clubs and writing songs, while developing his powerful voice that eventually became instantly recognizable to country fans.
Everything changed in 1990 when the head of the record company Tim Dubois brought Dunn and Brooks together, believing the two artists would complement each other musically.
The risky bet paid off almost immediately.
In 1991, Brooks & Dunn released their debut single, "Brand New Man," and the song soared to number one on the US country charts. This success ushered in an era of dominance that included such massive hits as "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "My Maria," "Neon Moon," "Believe," and "Only in America.".
Over time, Brooks & Dunn became more than just hitmakers; they became one of the defining groups of modern country music.
The duo has won more Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards than any other artist in country music history, cementing their reputation as some of the genre's greatest performers of all time.
Even after their brief hiatus in 2010, the duo's popularity never truly waned. Their music continued to find new audiences through streaming services, country playlists, and collaborations with young stars inspired by their sound.
Brooks & Dunn is currently planning a tour in 2026.
See also: The heartbreaking story behind Hawkshaw Hawkins' final chart-topping song.
This article was originally published by Parade on June 1, 2026, in the Celebrity section. Add Parade to your list of recommended sources by clicking here.