Country music icons Brooks & Dunn have been officially recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Music. This honor places them alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, from pop stars to rock legends. For many fans, it feels like long-overdue recognition for a duo that helped redefine modern country.

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn first joined forces in 1990, and their partnership quickly changed the face of country music. With chart-topping hits like Boot Scootin’ Boogie and My Maria, they didn’t just dominate radio—they brought country to dance floors across America. Their sound bridged honky-tonk traditions with mainstream appeal, creating an entirely new audience for the genre.

What makes their inclusion on TIME’s list surprising is not their talent but the journey that brought them here. After ruling the charts throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Brooks & Dunn shocked fans by announcing a split in 2010. Many thought their era had ended for good, but the duo’s eventual reunion proved that their influence had never truly faded.

Since reuniting, Brooks & Dunn have enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence. Their 2019 album Reboot featured collaborations with younger stars like Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, and Kane Brown, showing how their legacy continues to inspire new generations. This intergenerational appeal is one of the reasons TIME cited them as “bridge-builders in American music.”

Beyond the awards and accolades, Brooks & Dunn’s story is about resilience, reinvention, and timeless artistry. They’ve sold more than 30 million albums, won dozens of ACM and CMA awards, and earned a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Yet it is their ability to remain relevant, even after decades in the business, that makes them truly influential.

For fans, this milestone is both a celebration and a reminder of the duo’s lasting impact. From dusty Texas bars to packed stadiums, Brooks & Dunn’s music has always carried a universal heartbeat that resonates with listeners everywhere. As TIME’s honor shows, their story isn’t just about country music—it’s about shaping culture itself.