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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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Tyson Bowman'Head over heels, gone a lil crazy and makin memories' defines the real Tyson Bowman.
Reared in Erie, Pennsylvania, Tysons humble approach is cutting through the crowd of hopefuls with his latest EP. Country music was a big part of his life and with musical influences of Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and James Taylor, it is clear to see the rock n roll image blend with his traditional country vocals.
Tyson spent his childhood singing in a church choir and dreaming of a life in the country spotlight. 'My family always had a strong musical tie,' remembers Tyson. 'My Mom used to book all the entertainment/performances at holiday parties at work and I can remember my parents saying their first date was going to a concert.'
With music abilities that continued to grow, Tysons teenage years found him rapping and beat boxing in a high school hip-hop group. 'We performed locally around town and even had a chance to open up for American rapper, Ludacris.' After high school, he attended Mercyhurst Northeast College on a basketball scholarship and after realizing his love of music, he attended The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Phoenix, Arizona. On graduation day, nothing held him back. He drove three days straight to where his heart was in Music City.
After arriving in Nashville, Tyson worked with vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams, who describes his voice as 'down right pretty.' Always thinking of others, he founded 'The Grand New Opry,' a take off of the traditional Grand Ole Opry, but provides upcoming musicians live performance opportunities.
Tysons songs reflect on lost love, living life without regret and enjoying the journey, not just the destination. 'Its all about taking risks,' says Tyson. 'Take risks, go to the extreme, ask God for guidance, help others along the way, and as the great song says, Live Like You Were Dying.' Visit Tyson Bowman's Website
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This weeks featured artist on Country Dreams is Tyson Bowman, plus music by Johnathan East, Veronica Ballestrini, Jimmy Parker, Lauren Mascitti, Jennifer Brantley, Brenda Loomis & the Blue Coyote Band, Shenandoah & Alison Krauss, Phil Vassar, Thomas Michael Riley, Tommy Botz, Brian Lumley & Colby Yates, Susan Cattaneo, Jim Chestnut, Danielle Tucker, Shooter Jennings, Jeff Keith Band, Jack Greene, Andy & the Rockers, and Ricky Fugitt.
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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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Pittsburgh, PA
michaelstover @perfectvisionent.com