Beech Tree News Network

Last week, I brought you the story of the late Bob Kingsley.  What I didn’t tell you is that his American Country Countdown remains even after his passing.  This week, I’ll chronicle the man who succeeded him as the host of that show.  He’s a man we’ve been familiar with since 1992.  He’s one half of Brooks & Dunn: Kix Brooks.

Leon Eric Brooks III, better known as Kix Brooks, is a singer-songwriter who charted twice on Hot Country Songs and released an album for Capitol Records before founding Brooks & Dunn.  He and Ronnie Dunn comprised Brooks & Dunn for twenty years.  Afterwards, both began solo careers.   He got nicknamed Kix from his mother, who said he was always trying to “kick out” while still in the womb.

His father urged Brooks to pursue his desire to become a musician and he moved to Nashville in the early ‘80’s.  He recorded his first solo single, “Baby When Your Heart Breaks Down” in 1983.  He returned to songwriting when the song only reached #73.  Brooks released a self-titled album in 1989 on Capitol Records.  This album featured the song “Sacred Ground”, which became a #2 hit for McBride & The Ride in 1992.  Coincidentally, Terry McBride would later join the backing band for Brooks & Dunn.

After 20 #1 hits, selling more albums than any other duo in history, winning two Grammy’s and many ACM and CMA Awards, releasing 12 albums and becoming one of the most popular touring acts in country music, Brooks & Dunn split in 2009.  There was no rift.  It was just time for something new, they said.  That something new for Kix included a role he’d begun three years earlier, new host of “American Country Countdown”, succeeding Bob Kingsley.  Brooks stepped down from the role the final weekend of 2024.  Brooks also co-owns Arrington Vineyards with winemaker Kip Summers and entrepreneur John Russell.  Arrington Vineyards has truly become Nashville’s Wine Country.  (www.google.com) 

Next week, one of the men who created American Country Countdown, the late Casey Kasem.  Here is the link for my vlog this week for those interested: https://youtu.be/f7jRwG8uAUM?si=8EyNNjj3FsyRZGzE