Kix Brooks

Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kix Brooks was influenced by a variety of regional musical styles ranging from Cajun to blues to jazz to country.

Brooks began performing at age 12, then continued performing in clubs and at other venues throughout high school. He also began writing songs at that time. Eventually, he landed in Nashville, where he joined Tree Publishing Company. Shortly thereafter, artists like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Conlee, and Highway 101 all scored #1's with Brooks' songs.

In 1990, Brooks teamed with Ronnie Dunn to form Brooks & Dunn, the highest selling duo in the history of country music. They have sold more than 30 million records, won over 75 major industry awards, had 23 #1 hits, and set a new record with their 41 top 10 singles, breaking a tie with Alabama as the duo or group with the most Top 10 country singles in the 19-year history of Nielsen BDS-monitored airplay. Brooks ventured into the world of radio in 2006 when he took over the hosting reins of the long-running syndicated radio program, "American Country Countdown." Having recently notched his third year in that chair, Brooks reflected on his reason for joining ACC as host, "I really enjoy what I do for a living. I love this business. I love the characters and personalities in this business. At the end of the day, it's all about sharing those stories." The broadcast industry took note and in 2009 honored him with the National Broadcasting Personality of the Year award, making Brooks the first person to ever win a CMA in both the artist and broadcast categories.

Brooks served as President in 2004, and Chairman in 2005, of the Country Music Association (CMA). He remains an active board member of the CMA and served as part of the Blue Ribbon Committee. The Blue Ribbon Committee was a select group of professionals, including the mayor, chosen to bring the city of Nashville and the Music Industry closer together. Brooks is also on the boards of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and Avenue Bank, and previously served on the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is the local spokesperson for Monroe Harding Children's Home and is a founding partner of Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, TN.