Country Artists Enjoy Radio Time . As On-Air Personalities

the music business. Because I was in Nashville, it helped me get to know publishers, label people and others in the music business. I credit radio with my singing sound. I had kind of a soft folk sound, but after my time in radio, my singing style evolved into what it is now, with a lot more edge to it."

For artists who may not want to get into radio full-time, but would like to do a syndicated show, today's technology makes it easier to get involved.

"The reason you're seeing more of this is that technology allows it," Howard said. "Kix can do this show from anywhere in the world."

Howard sees the artist-turned-air personality trend continuing to grow. "I think it's great that the artists are coming over to the DJ side because they bring stories to the table," he said. "Listeners want to know what is going on in these people's lives. I think you're going to see more of it down the road."

September 19, 2006

Kenny Chesney and Lon Helton, host of Westwood One's "CMT Country Countdown USA." Photographer: George Achaves

Country Artists Enjoy Radio Time . As On-Air Personalities

By Deborah Evans Price

There has always been a close bond between Country artists and Country radio, and these days, the line separating the two seems to be dissolving as many artists become air personalities.

Kix Brooks not only dominates Country airwaves as half of the hit duo Brooks & Dunn, but he can also be heard as the host of ABC Radio's "American Country Countdown." Cledus T. Judd and Chad Brock have teamed up and are doing the morning show on WQYK in Tampa. Opry veteran Jim Ed Brown is doing a syndicated show, "The Country Music Greats Radio Hour." And several artists have shows on XM and SIRIUS Satellite radio, including Bill Anderson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Shooter Jennings, Willie Nelson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's John McEuen.

With his busy, high profile career as a recording artist, why would Brooks decide to become host of ABC Radio's "American Country Countdown?" "I love to hear myself talk," Brooks said with a laugh.

Part of the appeal for Brooks is the opportunity to share some behind-the-scenes stories with fans.

"When I got to Nashville, I can remember being at Don Gant's publishing company. He was such great storyteller," Brooks said. "Sonny Throckmorton, Mickey Newbury, Rafe Van Hoy, Don Cook and all those guys would meet over there and tell stories about people in the business."

Brooks says he's always loved countdown shows because "they are a really fun way to hear the music and to hear about the person behind the music. I never would have applied for this job, but when ABC approached me, I thought, 'Wow, this would be fun to do.'"

According to ABC Radio's Tim Howard, Producer of "American Country Countdown," having artists host radio shows provides "instant credibility and instant recognition." He said Brooks taking over "ACC" has been a great move.

"When you have someone like Kix Brooks who has been at the top of the Country world for 15 years, everybody knows who he is," Howard said. "It lends your show instant credibility and I think you'll see a lot more of it, especially with what's going on SIRIUS and XM radio."

Howard says working with Brooks has been a treat. "He's down to earth and really wants the show to be great. It's amazing the energy he puts into this thing every week. He's a great talker."

Many in the industry feel that artists are more radio savvy now than ever. "Artists are out there doing radio tours so today's artists may have more of a feel for being on the air than artists used to," said Lon Helton, Owner of the new publication, Country Air Check. For the past 14 years, Helton has also hosted "CMT's Country Countdown USA," syndicated by Westwood One. The show features artists co-hosting with Helton each week.

"There are so many more interview shows, whether it's the countdown show that I do or the satellite tours that they do," Helton said. "There seems to me to be more on-the-air interaction with Country artists and radio personalities than ever before. When you get guys with really great personalities like Chad Brock and Cledus T. Judd, it makes the transition easier."

Holly Dunn pioneered the current artist-turned-air-personality craze in 1997 when she did a yearlong morning-show stint on Detroit's WWWW.

"She is - as far as I know - the first Country star to step behind the mic and host a show and, from what I hear, she did a terrific job," said Blair Garner, host of Premiere Radio's syndicated show "After MidNite with Blair Garner." "I think it's only natural that Country artists, who are so well known for having such a close connection with their fans, are looking for other ways to extend their connection with the fans. Radio is another way of reaching out and forging that special bond that they enjoy."

Like Helton, Garner has Country artists join him on "After MidNite." "Kenny Chesney is fantastic," Garner said. "Another great person on radio is Tracy Lawrence. Had he not become a Country Music singer, he'd have been a fantastic radio host."

Helton cautions that artists and stations should carefully consider the relationship before an artist steps up to the mic at radio. "With radio stations, you're making a huge commitment when you have a morning show," Helton said. "You're promoting them on TV. You're putting their faces on billboards and in your mind, there's always that thing: 'Once an artist, always an artist.' They might want to go back on the road or get a record deal. You really can't invest in a morning show, only to have them hit the road on you a couple years later."

Radio is a more structured environment than some artists are used to, and it can be an adjustment. "Bottom line, you've got to have commitment," Garner added. "If it's marketed as 'The Chad Brock Show,' then Chad Brock has got to be there."

Helton says there are many advantages to having an artist work for your radio station. "They know how to meet and greet," he said. "They know how to schmooze clients. They know how to really put a great face on the radio station."

Some artists spent time in radio before becoming recording artists, among them John Conlee, who worked seven years at Nashville's WLAC before landing a record deal.

Blair Garner, host of Premiere Radio Networks' "After MidNite With Blair Garner," interviews Montgomery Gentry.

Photography courtesy of Premiere Radio Networks

"Bill Anderson, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings were on the air," Conlee said. "There are a lot of folks who spent time behind the radio mic before they got in