When fans remember iconic country music tributes, the Tim McGraw Brooks & Dunn moment at The Last Rodeo stands out as unforgettable.
In August 2009, country music fans were stunned. Brooks & Dunn, the powerhouse duo of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, announced their retirement. They had spent nearly two decades dominating the country charts. Soon after, they revealed plans for a farewell tour called The Last Rodeo.
The announcement marked the end of an era. Since their debut in 1991 with Brand New Man, Brooks & Dunn had released dozens of hit singles, won multiple CMA and ACM Awards, and cemented themselves as one of the most successful duos in music history.
The Last Rodeo tour gave fans one final chance to see them live, with each performance blending nostalgia, raw energy, and emotional goodbyes.
Tim McGraw Brooks & Dunn Tribute At The Last Rodeo
After the tour, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) planned a special event to honor Brooks & Dunn. The tribute, titled ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo, was filmed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It aired on television in 2010.
This one-night event was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of nearly 20 years of hit songs, powerful performances, and the duo’s impact on the next generation of country stars.
The lineup of artists spoke volumes about Brooks & Dunn’s influence. Superstar acts such as Taylor Swift, Jennifer Nettles, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Carrie Underwood all performed renditions of the duo’s iconic songs. Each artist brought their unique style, but the message was the same: Brooks & Dunn’s music had shaped the sound of modern country.
Tim McGraw’s Emotional Tribute
Among the performers, Tim McGraw’s tribute stood out for its heartfelt delivery. Before taking the stage, McGraw shared personal reflections on the duo’s rise in the early 1990s:
“I remember hearing Brooks & Dunn on the radio back in 1991. I got really excited because I knew they were the new direction of country music. I’m just an old boy from Louisiana who was lucky enough to be a country singer during the era of the greatest duo that’s ever sang a song.”
His words drew smiles from Brooks and Dunn, who watched from the audience. Then, McGraw launched into a stirring rendition of their 1994 hit “That Ain’t No Way to Go.”
The performance was raw and emotional, showcasing McGraw’s signature grit while honoring the heartbreak at the core of the song. Audience members and fellow artists alike were visibly moved, proving once again that when it comes to paying tribute, few do it better than Tim McGraw.
The Story Behind “That Ain’t No Way to Go”
The song McGraw chose carried deep meaning. Released in 1994 as the fifth and final single from Brooks & Dunn’s Hard Workin’ Man album, “That Ain’t No Way to Go” tells the story of a man left brokenhearted after his partner leaves without warning.
Co-written by Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Don Cook, the lyrics cut to the core of heartbreak:
“That ain’t no way to go, girl, it just ain’t right. Don’t you think that I deserve to hear you say goodbye?”
The song resonated with country fans immediately. It debuted at #55 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart but quickly climbed to #1, marking Brooks & Dunn’s sixth chart-topping hit.
By the end of 1994, the track ranked #11 on Billboard’s year-end Country Songs chart, solidifying its place as one of the duo’s defining ballads. Even today, it remains a fan favorite—proof that great country songs never lose their emotional punch.
Tim McGraw & Brooks & Dunn: A Shared History
Tim McGraw’s choice to perform “That Ain’t No Way to Go” wasn’t random. Like Brooks & Dunn, McGraw rose to prominence in the 1990s, becoming one of country music’s biggest stars.
- Both acts helped shape the modern country sound—mixing traditional storytelling with arena-sized energy.
- McGraw and Brooks & Dunn often shared festival lineups and award show stages, building a mutual respect.
- Their careers ran parallel. McGraw achieved breakout success with Not a Moment Too Soon in 1994. That same year, Brooks & Dunn scored multiple chart-toppers.
For McGraw, performing at The Last Rodeo was more than honoring friends. It was also a tribute to fellow artists. Together, they helped define an entire generation of country music.
Brooks & Dunn’s Lasting Legacy
Although The Last Rodeo marked their official farewell, Brooks & Dunn’s story didn’t end there.
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The duo reunited in 2015 for a Las Vegas residency with Reba McEntire, bringing their catalog back to the stage.
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Four years later, they released Reboot, an album that reimagined their greatest hits with help from stars like Luke Combs and Kane Brown.
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By 2024, they followed up with Reboot II, further cementing their ability to bridge generations.
That same year, they won the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Award—their first since 2006.
They were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, ensuring their place among the genre’s immortals.
Why This Moment Still Matters
Tim McGraw’s tribute during The Last Rodeo has endured as one of the most memorable moments in country music television. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of hitmakers to the next.
For fans, it offered closure to Brooks & Dunn’s initial farewell. For the industry, it served as a reminder that true legends never fade—they evolve, inspire, and continue shaping the genre long after their “final” curtain call.
