Lon Helton has been the host of Westwood One's Country Countdown USA since its inception in 1992. Country Countdown USA can be heard 6:00 a.m.- 12 midnight Monday through Sunday, on over 200 stations nationwide. Prior to that, Helton hosted "Listen In," a weekly one-hour country show for Westwood One. He was also the host of Country World Premiere, and dozens of other major radio specials. During the course of his national radio career, Lon has interviewed practically every major country star, including Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Vince Gill. He appeared in Alabama's pay-per-view TV special, "For The Record: The 41 #1 Hits."
In 2001, Lon hosted the national radio simulcast of CMT's "Country Freedom Concert," broadcast live on over 600 radio stations. He also hosted premieres of new albums by Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, and Alabama.In 2000, his World Premiere of Jo Dee Messina's "Burn" album was heard on over 750 radio stations, making it the largest world premiere ever.
Lon is the Editor & Publicher of Country Aircheck, a music industry publication. He is also the Country Chart Editor for Mediabase. Country Countdown USA uses the Mediabase country chart.
Lon's country radio career began in 1971. He spent 12 years as both personality and programmer at KLAK/Denver, WMAQ/ Chicago, and KHJ/Los Angeles.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association, most recently as President.He is currently Chairman of the Board.He also serves on the Board of Leadership Music.
Country Countdown USA has been nominated for five Billboard Program of the Year awards. In 2001, Lon was a finalist for the CMA's National Broadcast Personality of the Year award. Lon has been recognized as country radio's best-known star interviewer.
