There’s lots of great music on television tonight. A new episode of the breathtakingly good “Treme”. The Juno Awards from the Rock. But my love of good drama and patriotic spirit will both have to be set aside because tonight marks the beginning of “The Last Rodeo”.
The Academy of Country Music is also broadcasting its awards show tonight, which will feature Brooks & Dunn, the most successful duo in any musical genre, the night before they embark on their final tour.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn were just a couple of struggling singer-songwriters in Nashville before somebody decided to stick them together in 1991. Since then, every single one of their 16 albums has gone multi-platinum, delivering countless hit singles while they almost continually toured the world.
I’ve been to a lot of concerts, Country and otherwise, and I can say without a doubt that I’ve never seen any artists have as much fun doing what they do as these guys.
So, why quit? In the statement they released last summer to their fans, they kept it simple. "This ride has been everything and more than we could ever have dreamed. If you hear rumors, don't believe them. It's just time.”
Whether Brooks & Dunn win any of the awards they’re nominated for tonight won’t matter. They have nothing left to prove.
But if you’ve got a “Hillbilly Bone” in your body, you know its time to turn up and show your appreciation.
In honor of the occasion, here’s Brooks & Dunn’s latest hit followed by a taste of their inimitable concert style.
There are lots of Canadian dates on the upcoming final tour and you can find tickets here. Even if you’re not a Country fan, you won’t regret the experience for a moment.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Only In America
