It's an almost universal agreement among country music fans that '90s was the best era in country music. The decade saw stars like Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks and more emerge, with their music still played -- and lauded -- today.
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But the '90s also saw the reign of several country music duos. We're taking a closer look at four of those duos, who helped define an entire decade of music.
1. Brooks & Dunn
There likely isn't a better, or more influential, duo in country music than Brooks & Dunn. Made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, both men were pursuing solo deals when a record producer, Tim DuBois, suggested they combine their talents, and the rest is history. Brooks & Dunn's debut album, Brand New Man, came out in 1991. They remained an integral part of country music, with 20 No. 1 hits, until their split in 2010.
Fortunately, their split was temporary. Brooks & Dunn surprised fans 2019 by announcing the release of their Reboot album. That was followed by Reboot II in 2024, the same year they won the CMA Award for Duo of the Year.
2. The Judds
The Judds were made up of mother Naomi Judd and daughter, Wynonna Judd. Naomi was working as a nurse, struggling to make ends meet for her family (which also includes daughter Ashley), when producer Brent Maher was able to get the duo an audition at RCA Records. Their debut album, Why Not Me, was released in 1984. Still, they had hits in the early '90s, showing off their flawless harmonies, including "Born To Be Blue," "Love Can Build A Bridge" and "Stuck in Love."
The Judds disbanded in 1991, when Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, to focus on her health. The Judds later reunited, announcing their The Final Tour in 2022, the same year The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tragically, Naomi lost her battle with mental illness, and passed away one day before their induction.
3. Montgomery Gentry
Montgomery Gentry's debut album was released in 1999, so they barely made the cut -- but they made it, and their contribution to country music is worth noting. Eddie Montgomery and Teddy Gentry formed the duo, which had already been playing together for years, including billing themselves as Deuce. But when they signed a record deal with RCA Records, Montgomery Gentry was born.
Their debut album, Tattoos & Scars, came out in 1999. The record included "Lonely and Gone," which became their first Top 10 hit. Tragically, the reign of Montgomery Gentry was cut short, when Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash in 2017.
4. Sweethearts of the Rodeo
Sweethearts of the Rodeo was made up of sisters Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold. After winning a talent contest in 1985, the duo signed with Columbia Records, where they released a total of four albums, including one appropriately called Sisters in 1992. Their gorgeous sibling harmonies helped them chart numerous singles in the late '80s and into early '90s, including "This Heart," which became their final Top 30 hit.
In 1993, Sweethearts of the Rodeo their first of two albums on Sugar Hill Records. Their last album, Restless, was released in 2012.
