Kix Brooks
USABiography of Kix Brooks
Kix Brooks, whose real name is Leon Eric Brooks III, was born on May 12, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA. He is an American country music artist, a member of the musical duo 'Brooks & Dunn,' and the recipient of numerous awards.
Early Life and Education
Kix Brooks grew up in his hometown of Shreveport. He had one biological sister, a step-sister, and a step-brother. When his father remarried for the third time, Brooks gained another step-brother. He attended Riverside Elementary School until the fifth grade. Brooks then graduated from the former military school Sewanee in Tennessee before enrolling in Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. His major at the university was theater arts. Brooks temporarily moved to Alaska with his father for one summer (his father worked on an oil pipeline), but he returned to the university in the fall to complete his education.
Early Career
After finishing his studies, Brooks moved to the state of Maine and began writing advertising jingles for a company owned by his sister and step-brother. In 1981, Brooks married Barbara Lomax, and the couple soon had two children, Molly and Eric. Brooks' father encouraged and supported his son's desire to pursue a career in music. In search of opportunities to develop his talents, Brooks relocated to Nashville, with Barbara following him. He started working as a staff songwriter for the music label 'Tree Publishing.' In 1983, Brooks released his first solo single titled 'Baby, When Your Heart Breaks Down' under the 'Avion' label. However, after its failure, he returned to songwriting for others.
Brooks & Dunn
In 1992, the country music duo 'Brooks & Dunn' was formed. In the same year, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn released four singles and the album 'Brand New Man.' Throughout their musical career, the duo won multiple 'Country Music Association Vocal Duo' awards and produced ten albums. On August 10, 2009, the 'Brooks & Dunn' website announced that after 20 years of collaboration and touring, Kix and Ronnie had decided to end the duo. Their final act as a duo would be the release of a greatest hits album, scheduled for the end of that year, followed by a farewell tour in 2010. 'Brooks & Dunn' holds the record for the most 'Country Music Association Vocal Duo' and 'Country Music' awards. From 1991 onwards, they won the 'Country Music Association Vocal Duo' award every year except 2000 (won by Montgomery Gentry) and 2007 (won by Sugarland). The duo has sold over 30 million records, making them one of the most successful country music acts to date.
