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Ronnie Lee Hurst
Co-Producer & Co-Host
Growing up in a log house in rural Oregon, Ronnie's love for country music began at a young age. Some of his earliest musical influences included Hank Williams, Sr., Tom T. Hall, George Jones, and Earl Scruggs. It was when he first heard Merle Haggard, that Ronnie's interest in song writing began. Ronnie even payed tribute to his favorite singer/songwriter by writing and recording, "Merle's The Man".
Ronnie has co-written with several writers throughout the years,starting with his time in the US Air Force. Ronnie's songs range from Country, to Bluegrass, to Gospel. His song, "I Underestimated Loving You" reached the top 10 of the European Country Music Charts in 2008. His most satisfying experience came with the completion of his song, "That's Just Me". It was a project that included a total of 25 people from around the world. He was humbled and honored that so many people would contribute without expecting
anything in return.
Being a singer/songwriter himself, Ronnie has experienced the frustration of trying to get his songs heard, and has deep appreciation for the DJ's from around the world who have, and are playing his music. That's why Ronnie is very excited to join Al Shephard in this new venture called "Country Dreams".
Ronnie looks at it as a chance to give back what he can, and give his fellow unsigned peers an opportunity to be heard.
If you're an artist looking for material, check out Ronnie's stuff HERE.
Email Ronnie
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Al Shephard
Co-Producer & Co-Host
Al started this journey as a mobile DJ and webmaster of WBTN. In 2007, he volunteered his equipment to the local teen club, Knapps Underground, handling both lighting and sound engineer duties.
In 2008, he created Bennington Rocks, a music show featuring unsigned pop/rock artists, on 1370 AM WBTN.
During 2009 many exciting things happened. He launched You Space Radio, a 24/7 internet station to promote unsigned artists. He also expanded Bennington Rocks to two hours, adding karaoke singers and unsigned country artists. This led to some aspiring artists asking for his help, so he started learning the music business and discovered his ability to write Country lyrics. He also became friends with many talented songwriters, including Ronnie Lee Hurst. 2009 ended with Al becoming a full-time employee at WBTN, pulling multiple duties as Station Technician, Music Programmer, Production Editor, Board Op, and Host. This full schedule meant something had to give, so both "Bennington Rocks" and "You Space Radio" went on indefinite hiatus.
In 2010, Al threw out the idea that although they were 3,000 miles apart, Ronnie and Al should host a new show devoted to independent country artists and singer / songwriters.
On January 1st, 2011, Al founded the Independent Country Music Association (ICMA) to further promote the indie country artists.
Al also added Artist Management & Promotion to his bag of tricks, allowing him to steer young artists in the right direction with the help of all of his great friends in the industry.
He also started a new home-based business opportunity to ensure that someday he can actually stop working...but still get paid. Learn more about it by clicking HERE
Al is always looking for musicians to co-write with. Check out his lyrics HERE.
Email Al
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We have listeners from all over the world!
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Jimmy ParkerAs a vocalist and recording artist, Jimmy Parker wakes up the music scene with a refreshing, original yet traditional style and a unique presence all his own. His childhood was spent growing up in Virginia. His parents saw at an early age he was into music as he copied his dad’s style of playing the piano by ear. They enrolled him for the next six years into piano training, honing his musical skills until he learned a few chords on the guitar and joined a rock n roll band at the age of 13.
ALL through his teen years he played with a band on weekends earning his spending money and learning to sing. He also sang in the church and in the high school choir. After spending four years in the military working as a photo-journalist, participating in some local theatre groups, and performing music on and off the military compounds. Jimmy, set out for his musical career.
In the late early 80's to early 90's Jimmy Parker played in the New England area and became a well known artist to the traditional country music fans in the northeast. He released an album before he left that area called, "Terminal Case of Heartaches." Soon after that album release he he had a hit song in that area late in 1989 and in the early 90's with a single release called, "Party of One." The song was a major request on area radio stations and became a fan favorite on the jukeboxes and on area radio stations. On WHIM in Providence, Rhoded Island it was #1 on their country charts for 26 straight weeks and then after a week later it rose back to #1 for another 2 weeks. The song to this day remains a popular cult song in that area. It was released on Scrimshaw Records out of Hendersonville, Tn.
TODAY, Jimmy’s fan base and support base is growing and growing fast. He has opened up a myspace page to promote his music. You, as an artist, a musician, or a fan of good country music are in for a treat when you listen to this smooth, rangy, yet edgy country voice. He has impeccable emotion in his songs and he records songs that he can identify with making it easier for the listener to feel the sincerity in his voice as it comes across very believable in his style of singing. AS his producer says when describing Jimmy as a country singer, "...he is the real deal." Visit Website
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This weeks featured artist on Country Dreams is Jimmy Parker, plus music by Zach Paxson, Eric Church, J.J. McCoy, Mark Collie, Kip Moore, Britt 'N' Blaire, Colton James, Zac Brown Band, Eddie Kilgallon, Matt Kennon, Rascal Flatts, Tammie Davis, Rich O'Toole, Nikki Boon, Jason Aldean, and Keith Bradford.
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Want to be noticed in the US, Europe, and Australia? Advertise on Country Dreams HERE! |
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Want to carry Country Dreams on your station? Click Here! |
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A BIG thank you to all of our affiliates, who spread independent Country music around the world! |
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ICMA members can use our TV channel to broadcast their gigs! Signup at icmanet.com! |
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Peabody, Ma
cherylmonges@gmail.com