Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn: biography

Ronnie Dunn is an American country music singer and songwriter, who is best known as one half of the country music duo Brooks & Dunn, which he formed with Kix Brooks in 1990.

Childhood and youth

Ronnie Dunn was born on June 1, 1953, in Coleman, Texas. He was raised in a working-class family with two siblings, and his parents owned a local convenience store. As a child, Dunn showed an interest in music and started playing guitar at a young age. He also sang in his church choir and performed at local talent shows.

After graduating from high school, Dunn attended Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, where he studied psychology and played in a local band. However, he dropped out of college after a year and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to pursue his music career.

Dunn's childhood and youth were marked by a love of music and a strong work ethic instilled by his parents. He grew up in a small town and learned the value of hard work and perseverance, which would serve him well throughout his career. His experiences playing in local bands and performing in talent shows helped him develop his musical skills and gave him the confidence to pursue a career in the music industry.

Music career

Ronnie Dunn's music career began in the 1980s when he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and started performing in local clubs and honky-tonks. He formed a duo with Kix Brooks, and the two began writing and recording music together. In 1991, they signed a record deal with Arista Nashville and released their debut album, "Brand New Man." The album was a huge success, spawning four number one hits and earning Brooks & Dunn the Country Music Association's Vocal Duo of the Year award.

Over the next two decades, Brooks & Dunn became one of the most successful country music duos of all time. They released 12 studio albums, sold over 30 million records, and had 20 number one hits on the country music charts. Their music was known for its catchy hooks, tight harmonies, and rock-influenced sound, which helped to attract a wider audience to country music.

Dunn's distinctive voice and songwriting skills were a major part of Brooks & Dunn's success. He wrote many of the duo's hit songs, including "Boot Scootin' Boogie", "My Maria", and "Neon Moon". He also wrote several solo hits, including "Bleed Red" and "Cost of Livin'".

After Brooks & Dunn disbanded in 2010, Dunn launched a successful solo career. He released his debut solo album, "Ronnie Dunn", in 2011, which featured the hit singles "Bleed Red" and "Cost of Livin'". The album showcased Dunn's versatility as a singer and songwriter, and earned critical acclaim.

In addition to his solo career, Dunn has collaborated with several other country music artists, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, and Luke Bryan. He has also continued to tour and perform live, showcasing his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.

Throughout his career, Dunn has won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, 20 Country Music Association Awards, and 27 Academy of Country Music Awards. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential artists in the history of country music, and his contributions to the genre continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

Personal life

Ronnie Dunn has been married to his wife, Janine Dunn, since 1990. The couple has three children together, a son named Jesse and daughters named Haley and Whitney.

Dunn is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support of veterans and their families. He has performed at numerous benefit concerts for organizations such as the Boot Campaign, which provides assistance to military personnel and their families, and the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to the children of fallen or disabled military personnel.

In addition to his music career and charitable work, Dunn is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing. He has also dabbled in acting, with guest roles on TV shows such as "Reba" and "The King of Queens."

Despite his success and fame, Dunn has remained grounded and committed to his family, his fans, and his values. He continues to be a major influence on the country music scene, and his music and legacy are sure to endure for generations to come.

Discography

As a solo artist:

• Ronnie Dunn (2014)
• Peace, Love, and Country Music (2013)
• Tattooed Heart (2016)
• Re-Dunn (2020)
• 100 Proof Neon (2022)
• With Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn:
• Brand New Man (1991)
• Hard Workin' Man (1993)
• Waitin' on Sundown (1994)
• Borderline (1996)
• The Greatest Hits Collection (1997)
• If You See Her (1998)
• Tight Rope (1999)
• Steers & Stripes (2001)
• It Won't Be Christmas Without You (2002)
• Red Dirt Road (2003)
• Hillbilly Deluxe (2005)
• Cowboy Town (2007)
• #1s... and Then Some (2009)

Compilation albums:

• The Essential Brooks & Dunn (2005)
• Playlist: The Very Best of Brooks & Dunn (2011)
• Reboot (2019) - a collaborative album featuring re-recordings of Brooks & Dunn's classic hits with various contemporary country artists.

Live albums:

• Brooks & Dunn - Live from Texas Stadium (2007) - a live album and DVD of a 2006 concert at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.

Awards

• 2 Grammy Awards
• 20 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards
• 27 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards
• Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame as a member of Brooks & Dunn in 2019
• CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, 1992-2006, 2008-2010 (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• ACM Top Vocal Duo, 1992-1999, 2001-2007, 2009-2010 (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• CMA Entertainer of the Year, 1996 (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• ACM Artist of the Decade, 1990s (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• Billboard Music Awards: Top Country Artist, 1992-1993, 1998, 2001-2002 (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• American Music Awards: Favorite Country Duo or Group, 1993-1995, 1998-2001 (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• Country Music Sales Awards Diamond Award for selling over 10 million copies of albums "Brand New Man," "Hard Workin' Man," and "Waitin' on Sundown" (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)
• Country Music Sales Awards Triple-Platinum Award for selling over 3 million copies of "Red Dirt Road" (with Kix Brooks as Brooks & Dunn)

These are just a few of the many awards and achievements that Ronnie Dunn has received over the course of his career, highlighting his immense talent and influence in the country music industry.