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."
