Introduction
Brooks & Dunn Reflect on Longevity, Brotherhood, and the Spirit of Country Music Ahead of the 60th ACM Awards
Brooks & Dunn Talk Vocal Duo of the Year Nomination at 60th ACM Awards & Cody Johnson Performance — a headline that perfectly captures both the weight of legacy and the thrill of a new chapter. For Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, it’s not just another awards season; it’s a moment that ties decades of hard work, friendship, and unshakable passion for country music into a single, proud acknowledgment.
When you talk about the foundation of modern country duos, the conversation always circles back to Brooks & Dunn. Since their explosive debut in the early 1990s, they’ve become synonymous with the genre’s golden age — a bridge between honky-tonk grit and radio-ready anthems. Songs like Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Neon Moon, and My Maria didn’t just dominate charts; they defined an era. But even now, more than 30 years since they first hit the airwaves, their fire hasn’t dimmed.
This year’s Vocal Duo of the Year nomination at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is a reminder that Brooks & Dunn remain more than legends — they’re still relevant, still resonant, and still rooted in the same love of storytelling that first brought them together. In a recent conversation, both men spoke about the nomination with a mix of humility and quiet pride. Ronnie Dunn, never one for self-promotion, reflected on how time changes a performer’s outlook. “You stop thinking about trophies and start thinking about what the songs meant to people,” he said. “If the music still connects — that’s the real win.”
Kix Brooks, ever the easygoing half of the duo, added with a grin, “After all these years, we still love doing this. We’re grateful folks still show up, still sing along. That’s everything.”
Their nomination comes in a particularly strong field, with younger acts like Brothers Osborne and Dan + Shay keeping the competition fierce. Yet what sets Brooks & Dunn apart isn’t just history — it’s authenticity. They were never trying to chase trends or reinvent themselves for radio. Their strength lies in consistency, in songs that carry the heartbeat of working people, small towns, and long nights spent under neon lights.
And while the duo may be the veterans in the room, they’ve always shown deep respect for the new generation of country talent — including Cody Johnson, whose powerful performance is set to be one of the night’s highlights. Dunn, who’s known for his unmatched vocal control and emotional depth, spoke warmly of Johnson. “Cody’s the real deal,” he said. “He reminds me of what country music’s supposed to be — honest, raw, and from the gut.”
Brooks nodded in agreement. “There’s something about seeing a guy like that on stage,” he said. “You can tell he believes every word he sings. That’s rare — and it’s what keeps this genre alive.”
As the ACM Awards draw near, fans can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with admiration. Brooks & Dunn’s return to the spotlight — whether as performers, nominees, or living symbols of endurance — reminds everyone why their music still matters. They’ve seen the industry change, watched styles evolve, and even taken breaks to explore solo paths. But every time they reunite, there’s that same familiar spark, that unmistakable chemistry that can’t be faked.
For them, the journey has never been about chasing fame. It’s been about connection — about that sacred space where a song meets a listener and something real happens. Whether it’s a packed arena or a quiet moment at home with a record spinning, Brooks & Dunn have always understood that country music is about stories that live longer than we do.
So when they step into the 60th ACM Awards, nominated once again for Vocal Duo of the Year, they’ll do it not as artists chasing a title, but as brothers in music — still grateful, still grounded, and still giving their all.
Because at the end of the day, Brooks & Dunn aren’t just part of country music’s history — they’re proof that heart, honesty, and harmony never go out of style.