Scene - Blogs - Brooks and Dunn saddle up with Cowboy Town

Brooks and Dunn saddle up with "Cowboy Town"
Published: 12/6/2007 12:24 PM
Last Modified: 12/6/2007 12:24 PM

Ronnie Dunn, left, and Kix Brooks

It was announced today that the song "Cowboy Town," recorded by superstar country duo Brooks & Dunn, has been adopted as the official song of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for the next two years.

Written by Ronnie Dunn, Larry Boone, and Paul Nelson, "Cowboy Town" captured the spirit of the Wrangler NFR as the title track to Brooks & Dunn's current album.

The most-awarded act in Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music history, Brooks & Dunn have sold more than 30 million albums and earned 23 No. 1 singles, consistently delivering the kind of entertainment that becomes a perfect match of music and lifestyle, epitomized by "Cowboy Town."

For the uninitiated, Dunn hails from Tulsa. Born in Texas, legend has it that Ronnie Dunn moved here after he was given an ultimatum from his conservative university: Give up performing music in bars or get out. He got out.

From there, Dunn’s story is well-known here in his hometown — from house band at Duke’s Country during the Urban Cowboy era to 1988 national winner of the Marlboro Country Music Talent Roundup to his evolution with Kix Brooks. We counted dozens of awards for these fellas, including some 18 CMAs.

Known as the world's richest and most prestigious rodeo, the Wrangler NFR runs from Dec. 6 - 15 and features the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding competing for a share of the $5.5 million purse.

The partnership calls for "Cowboy Town" to be played nightly during the Grand Entry, the introduction of all 118 Wrangler NFR contestants. In addition, Brooks & Dunn will perform "Cowboy Town" live to open the evening's events on Thursday, Dec. 13.

"This is an extremely important partnership for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. "This gives the NFR a themed opening song from one of America's iconic artists, something that we've never had before.

"'Cowboy Town' will be a cornerstone of the 50th anniversary celebration next year."

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Barrelhouse Beat

Barrelhouse: A colloquialism describing the low saloons at the turn of the century (19th) that served whiskey straight out of the barrel. It's also a reference to the type of music played in those venues. Ex: Barrelhouse music.

Beat: The time or timing. Ex: The band played with a solid beat. Also used as a term describing a reporters specific area of expertise. Ex: The music beat.

About me: I'm Okie born and raised, and have lived all over the state: Oklahoma City, Enid, Moore, Norman, Edmond and Tulsa. I am a music geek, writer, graphic designer and amateur photographer and videographer who's followed the Tulsa and regional music scene since I moved to Green Country more than 10 years ago. I've been enmeshed in Tulsa's varied and vibrant musical night life, what some of us affectionately call a modernized throwback to the Barrelhouse scene, since that time. I fell in love with it. I fell hard.

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Past Articles By Jennifer Chancellor

2/17/2013		Tulsan Johnny Polygon a rapper who delights in hometown crowd
2/15/2013		The Who brings nostalgia, ingenuity to BOK Center
2/15/2013		Lady Gaga tour is canceled
2/15/2013		Audio Adrenaline concert moves to April 7
2/14/2013		The Who brings 'other' rock opera to Tulsa's BOK Center
2/14/2013		Okies nominated for several top ACM awards
2/14/2013		Epic moments of rock 'n' roll history in Tulsa
2/14/2013		The Who talks about 'Quadrophenia' rock opera ahead of BOK show Thursday
2/14/2013		Shawnee songstress Samantha Crain to play Tulsa CD release show Friday
2/14/2013		Rick Springfield to play River Spirit Event Center on Saturday
2/14/2013		Local music roundup: Vaudvillian sideshows? Nerd nights? Live music? Parties? Yes, yes, yes and yes.
2/14/2013		Eli Young band coming to Brady Theater for first time

Jennifer Chancellor's Blog Archive:

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8/2008	7/2008	6/2008	5/2008	4/2008	3/2008
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Jennifer Chancellor
BarrelhouseBeat

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