Tennessee Tourism spotlights Kix Brooks with the unveiling of new “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker at Arrington Vineyards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Arrington Vineyards and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development honored country music singer/songwriter Kix Brooks with the unveiling of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker at his award-winning Arrington Vineyards. Brooks along with local and state leaders were on hand to mark the special commemoration.
“From Memphis to Knoxville, and of course, Nashville, the heart and hub for what I do, there’s no state quite like Tennessee,” said Kix Brooks. From Dolly to Stax, to everything in between, it is amazing what we have here, and it’s so important to invite people to come and experience that incredible musical energy. That energy excites me so much, and the fact that I would be recognized on a project like this. I am truly honored and love that our marker is going to be right here at Arrington Vineyards. It truly means the world to me.”
“Kix is not only an accomplished singer/songwriter, but he’s also been a tremendous advocate for the tourism industry,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “It is a great honor to celebrate him as a part of the Tennessee Music Pathways. We are thrilled to invite visitors to explore and learn more about our state’s rich contributions to music at Arrington Vineyards.”
Country music singer, songwriter, actor, film producer, television and radio host and vintner, Kix Brooks came to prominence as one-half of country music’s most successful duo of all time, Brooks & Dunn.
Brooks & Dunn sold over 30 million albums, making them the best-selling duo in country music history. Their debut album, Brand New Man, was certified six times platinum and all but two of their studio albums were certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, denoting one million copies sold. In all, twenty of their singles topped the country chart, and nearly all reached the Top 20. They won the Country Music Association award for Duo of the Year every year but one between 1992 and 2006. Two of their records won the Grammy award for Best Country Record by a Duo or Group. They earned over 80 industry awards.
In 2006, Brooks, recognized as “one of the most versatile guys in country music” (Rolling Stone), became host of the long-running syndicated radio program, American Country Countdown. The broadcast industry honored him with the CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year Award in 2009, 2011, and 2013, making him the first person to win a CMA Award in both the artist and broadcaster categories.
Outside of music, Brooks entered the movie business with a production company, Team Two Entertainment. He also raised Beefmaster cattle on his farm near Nashville and became a founding partner of Arrington Vineyards. Giving back to the community, he became prominent in charity, advocacy, and philanthropy. In 2014, he was the first recipient of the Country Music Association’s Humanitarian Award.
In 2015, after a five-year hiatus, Brooks & Dunn reunited and joined forces with their friend Reba McEntire for a Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace titled Reba + Brooks & Dunn: Together In Vegas.
Brooks & Dunn developed a style that blended honky tonk music with mainstream rock and country, playing off the contrast between their voices and personalities. They became known for the energy of their live shows. Anchored by rock ‘n’ roll-styled guitar riffs, their performances also employed special effects, including pyrotechnics.
In 2019, Brooks & Dunn had the honor of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
ABOUT TENNESSEE MUSIC PATHWAYS
Tennessee Music Pathways, launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2018, is an online planning guide that connects visitors to the state’s rich musical heritage at tnmusicpathways.com. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, Tennessee Music Pathways stretc;.0ohes across all 95 counties and features hundreds of landmarks from the seven genres of music that call Tennessee home. Join the conversation on social using #TNmusicpathways.