Anyone with any doubt about the broad appeal of country music need look
only to Brooks & Dunn for proof of its popularity. Aside from the
fact that they're the biggest selling duo in the genre's history,
they're also credited with outselling every other musical duo overall,
competition that includes such formidable contenders as Simon &
Garfunkel, Sonny & Cher, and Hall & Oates.
Chalk it up to their trademark high-octane take on honky-tonk that did
more for line dancing than even "Urban Cowboy." The pair dominated the
charts throughout the '90s, and when their formula waned at the start
of the new millennium, they went back to the proverbial drawing board
and released Steers and Stripes, an album that jump-started their commercial fortunes for the following decade.
Granted, cowboy hats and a rowdy, rambunctious attitude aren't uncommon
in country music realms these days, but with Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn
both being successful songwriters before joining forces, they were
already invested with the skills and savvy to succeed. Given the recent
announcement that they're going their separate ways following this
tellingly titled Last Round Up tour, it remains to be seen if each man
can sustain that success on his own. Suffice it to say, it's best to
catch them together while you can.
Brooks & Dunn, with Jason Aldean. 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 12, at
Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601 Sansbury's Way, West Palm Beach. Tickets cost
$25 to $65. Call 888-598-4299, or click here.
