Kix Brooks, one half of the iconic Country Music duo Brooks & Dunn, stops by to discuss fame and also his career in the second installment of “The Road You Leave Behind with Marty Smith.” Whether it be his unique stage name or Andy Griffith’s influence in his home life, family has played a large role in Brooks’ career. It’s obvious that he stands loyal, genuine and dedicated to hard work and those he loves; all things 90s country stands for.
Kix Brooks has a story that any country music fan oughta know. And can likely relate to. He has genuine gratitude in his heart and his authenticity is contagious. Check out what Brooks and host Marty Smith had to say about the staying power of Brooks & Dunn, and what brought Brooks to where he is today:
Born Leon Eric Brooks III, the country singer discussed the origin of his stage name Kix among other things. Spoiler alert: his mother may have given him that name as an infant — and for good reason. Brooks also got candid when discussing simpler times in his childhood and opened up about what sparked the fire in him to move to pursue music in Nashville.
Whether it be the influences of his grandma, who he says reminded him of Andy Griffith’s Aunt Bee, or his engineer father’s gritty work ethic, the singer shows his home life shaped him into who he is today.
Brooks also revealed some of his musical influences, and how those icons inspired the music he creates. He shares a few songs that he holds near and dear, the same way many of us do with Brooks & Dunn classics.
Brooks & Dunn: Skyrocketing to the Top in the ’90s
But no conversation with Brooks is complete without discussing his iconic band with Ronnie Dunn. Brooks & Dunn’s music has been around so long, they pair has joked that its practically vintage. During the ’90s, they became one of country music’s hottest acts. For almost two decades, the duo torched the country music charts with smash hits like “Neon Moon,” and “Believe.” And we all remember “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” arguably their best song.
As with all things that are good, Brooks & Dunn eventually came to an end. Brooks and Smith got real, discussing why the pair decided to go their separate ways in 2009. At the time, fans couldn’t understand why one of country’s hottest acts would walk away. But Brooks insisted the split was amicable, allowing them to strike out on their own. Brooks also opens up about a discussion about the break-up with Merle Haggard, getting the legend’s wisdom on the matter.
As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the pair reformed Brooks & Dunn in 2015 for a series of concerts. The duo was back. And better than ever. In 2019, they were officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing their impact on the genre. Since then, Brooks & Dunn have continued blazing a trail in country music. They released their 11th studio album, appropriately titled “Reboot” in 2019.
For more about Kix Brooks and other artists, watch the full video podcasts on Outsider’s Youtube or listen on Apple Podcasts or Podbean (below).
