Rural Route Music by Bluegrass Johnson 

 

BITTER SWEET, Ky. — There are some things that are just meant to go together. Where would peanut butter be without jelly? Where would chicken be without dumplings? Where would peas be without carrots?

I guess you’ve noticed the food theme by now. But the same is true of some of our greatest country music acts.

One that comes to mind is the dynamic duo of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, known to the world as Brooks and Dunn.

For nearly two decades those guys were the hottest thing in country music with a stage show that was second to none.

The two produced hit after hit including songs like Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Only in America, and a fantastic remake of My Maria – just to name a few.

The duo also ran up an impressive list of accolades including a couple of Grammy Awards, four Entertainer of the Year awards and numerous Country Music Assoc. Vocal Duo of the Year honors.

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys in concert, and their sound on stage was just as impressive. The two just fit perfectly together, from a musical standpoint. Ironically, when the singer/songwriters first broke into the country music scene, it was as single acts. While somewhat successful, their careers were without a lot of fanfare.

But on the suggestion of Nashville music executive Tim DuBois, a person who obviously knows a peanut butter and jelly combination when he sees it, the two came together and the rest, as they say, is history. It’s hard for me to imagine one without the other. But that was something I had to face when the two parted ways in 2010. Both have remained in the music recording industry with Brooks involved in the wine business and taking the reins as the voice of radio’s American Country Countdown.

But I have a little good news to share with the multitudes of B&D fans. The announcement came recently that Brooks and Dunn will come together with Reba McIntyre to perform several shows in Las Vegas in June, July and again next December. While it may not be a full-fledged tour, I’ll take it. This music event has all the indications of being one of the top shows of the year.

In my opinion, the two belong together and that’s why I’m so excited to hear the news of this reunion, of sorts.

For making my New Year’s wish come true and for all their music that made me dance and sing and even shed a few tears, I give these guys a resounding 100 A+ and hope the new shows will be just a beginning of more in the future.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.