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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.
Email Ronnie
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.
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