Zack Bennett Named Host of Pure American Country

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, September 21, 2026 | 1:29pm CT

Zack Bennett

Pure American Networks has named veteran Nashville broadcaster and producer Zack Bennett permanent host of the nationally syndicated weekly program "Pure American Country" and its daily companion feature, "Pure American Country Radio Minute."

Bennett had served as interim host since the death of longtime host and Country Radio Hall of Famer Bill Cody in June. He has produced "Pure American Country" since 2024 and continued writing and producing the program while filling in as host. Bennett also guest-hosted during periods in 2025 and early 2026 when illness prevented Cody from recording.

Bennett becomes the third principal host in the show's 23-year history. The program launched in 2003 as the "Country Music Greats Radio Show," with Country Music Hall of Famer Jim Ed Brown as its original host. Cody succeeded Brown in 2015.

"On every show, we serve our listeners by playing the music they already know and love," Bennett said. "But every song has an underlying story, and we connect the dots between generations to show that the more things change in country music, the more they stay the same."

Bennett said his goal is for each edition to feel "a little bit like a family reunion." The weekly program uses a central theme or story to connect country music across generations through the artists, songwriters, producers, influences and relationships behind the songs. The daily 60-second "Pure American Country Radio Minute" explores events, recordings, anniversaries and milestones associated with each calendar date.

Bennett said taking over the program carries special significance following nearly five years of working alongside Cody. "When he wasn't able to be behind the Pure American Country microphone, he trusted me to sit in his chair and take care of the show and its listeners," Bennett said. "I'm not here to replace him or imitate him. My responsibility is to honor what he built, carry forward the warmth and love of country music he brought to the show, and take it into its next chapter in a way that would make him proud."

Executive Producer Martin Davis said Bennett brings "a deep understanding of country music, a broadcaster's instinct for what connects with an audience, and a clear vision for what Pure American Country can be."

A Nashville native, Bennett began his radio career in 1999 at WANT-FM/Lebanon, TN. His 27-year career includes six years at 95.5 Nash Icon/Nashville, national country radio work with Westwood One and nearly five years at WSM-AM/Nashville, where he currently serves as Assistant Program Director and an air personality. He has also spent the past four years as part of the team responsible for planning and producing Grand Ole Opry shows.