Brooks & Dunn + Friends – CMT Crossroads: Where Legends and New Voices Met in Perfect Harmony
When CMT Crossroads brought together Brooks & Dunn and a powerhouse lineup of guest artists, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a country music summit. Taped during a special edition of the long-running series, “Brooks & Dunn + Friends” celebrated the duo’s legacy with heartfelt tributes, surprise collaborations, and a deep sense of respect that spanned generations and genres.
From their breakout in the early 1990s, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn became one of the most influential and decorated duos in country music history. With hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” “Red Dirt Road,” and “My Maria,” their sound defined an era—mixing honky-tonk energy with deep Southern soul. And in this star-studded CMT Crossroads episode, artists from across the spectrum came together to say: thank you.
The guest list read like a modern Hall of Fame lineup—Luke Combs, Jon Pardi, Midland, Cody Johnson, and Brett Young, among others. Each artist brought their own style, but all paid homage to the duo’s timeless catalog. Whether it was a rough-edged barroom anthem or a tender ballad, every song felt reborn in the shared spotlight of reverence and camaraderie.
Highlights included Luke Combs trading lines with Ronnie Dunn on “Brand New Man,” and Midland adding vintage flair to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” There were quiet moments too—like Brett Young’s take on “Believe,” one of the duo’s most emotional songs, where the power of storytelling in country music took center stage.
But more than the performances, what shined brightest was the chemistry. Kix and Ronnie—seasoned, humble, and sharp as ever—stood not just as icons, but as mentors, collaborators, and friends. Their joy was infectious. Their gratitude, real. And their songs? As strong as the day they were written.
For fans who’d grown up two-stepping to their hits, and for a new generation just discovering the magic, Brooks & Dunn + Friends – CMT Crossroads was a beautiful reminder that great songs never age. They just find new voices to carry them forward.