For decades, country music has showcased an image of a tight-knit, supportive community where artists lift each other up and welcome newcomers with open arms.
However, Brooks & Dunn, one of the most successful duos in country music history, has shattered this rosy picture.
In a recent appearance on Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks, who have been fixtures in the Nashville scene since the early 1990s, pulled back the curtain on the cutthroat nature of the country music industry.
Ronnie Dunn, known for his powerful vocals and no-nonsense attitude, didn’t shy away from words when describing the competitive atmosphere:
“As friendly as they say the world of country music is, it’s so darn competitive. Everyone hates one another. They act like they don’t on TV.”
Brooks & Dunn, with their 30-year career and numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards and 20 No. 1 hits, are well-positioned to comment on the industry’s inner workings. The “Play Something Country” singers witnessed firsthand the evolution of country music from the honky-tonk 90s to today’s pop-country crossovers.
RELATED: 4 Brooks & Dunn Songs That Placed Kix Brooks In Charge
Dunn went on to challenge a long-standing quote from country music icon Dolly Parton:
“One of my favorite things is Dolly Parton in an interview years and years ago, they were talking about somebody. And she just goes, ‘Oh honey, there’s room for everybody.’ No, there’s not. You want to get down to it? No, there’s not.”
The duo explained that the competitiveness stems from various factors, including the pursuit of number-one hits, which they describe as a tangible measure of success in the industry. Ronnie Dunn elaborated:
“I think just by nature to be here and be in this game, in your game, there’s a competitive dynamic that runs through it.”
Despite the harsh reality check, Kix Brooks offered a more balanced perspective, reminding listeners that genuine friendships do form amidst the rivalry:
“Well, we do make some real friends along the way… We got real friends, the competition… At some point in your life, you have success; you still want to succeed. But you’re just not so ferocious.”
Brooks suggests that as artists mature and find success, the intensity of competition may diminish. This allows for more genuine connections to form.
You can watch the podcast below.
The Country Music Hall of Fame duo recently announced a brand-new album. Reboot II will officially be out on November 15th. They will also be hitting the road again starting in the spring of 2025 on their Neon Moon Tour. Check out the dates for the first leg of the tour in their post below!