Ronnie Dunn

Ronald Gene Dunn, born on June 1, 1953, in Coleman, Texas, moved frequently during his early education, attending 13 schools. He later pursued a psychology degree at Abilene Christian University, where his involvement with local bands led him to leave academia and move to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to immerse himself in the country music scene. This period in Tulsa, drawing inspiration from local honky tonks, was formative for his musical development. Prior to forming Brooks & Dunn, Dunn released two minor singles, “It’s Written All Over Your Face” (1983) and “She Put the Sad in All His Songs” (1984), with Churchill/MCA Records.

In 1990, Dunn partnered with Kix Brooks to form Brooks & Dunn, a duo that would become one of the most awarded in country music history. Their debut album, “Brand New Man” (1991), was certified six-times platinum by the RIAA. Over two decades, Brooks & Dunn released 12 studio albums, two greatest-hits albums, and a Christmas album, accumulating over 30 million album sales and 20 number-one singles on Billboard. Following the duo’s temporary hiatus in 2010, Dunn embarked on a solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album “Ronnie Dunn” in 2011, which featured the Top 10 single “Bleed Red.”

After his time with Arista Nashville, Dunn founded Little Will-E Records in 2012, releasing his second solo album, “Peace, Love, and Country Music” (2014), under this independent label collaboration. He later signed with NASH Icon, an imprint of Big Machine Label Group, releasing “Tattooed Heart” in 2016. In 2019, Brooks & Dunn reunited to release “Reboot,” an album featuring collaborations with contemporary country artists, demonstrating their enduring appeal. Dunn continued his solo work with the covers album “Re-Dunn” in 2020 and “100 Proof Neon” in 2022. His contributions to country music were recognized with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame as a member of Brooks & Dunn in 2019, as well as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.