Kix Brooks marks the end of an era as he steps down from his nearly two-decade long role as host of the national country music radio show Countdown to American Country. Brooks' final broadcast will air the weekend of December 28-29, 2024.
Starting on the weekend of January 4-5, 2025, Ryan Fox will host American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox. Fox currently serves as the morning on-air host for Dallas country station KPLX/99.5 The Wolf.
Brooks took on the role of host on Countdown to American Country in January 2006, guiding listeners through each week's top hits while entertaining them with his wit and humor, as well as offering deep insights into the artists, the country music genre, and its rich history.
“I never dreamed that I would be asked to host a legendary international radio show like Countdown to American CountryBrooks said in a statement. “Being supported by hundreds of affiliates and an amazing team of radio professionals for 18 years has made this one of the greatest experiences of my professional life. It's time to focus again on writing, recording and touring with Brooks & Dunn. It was an honor, to say the least, to be entrusted with a microphone that had such an iconic history. Special thanks to all the fans who listened and participated to make sure I was the best I could be. Keep counting down!”
Brooks' flagship American Country Countdown, which airs on more than 300 affiliate stations nationwide through Westwood One, was named the Country Music Association's National Broadcast of the Year in 2009, 2011 and 2013, making Brooks the first person to which won CMA awards in both artist and broadcast categories. He was also up for the Academy of Country Music Radio Award for National Personality in 2021.
Fox said in a statement: “To be given the opportunity to take over one of the longest running, most successful country countdown shows in the world and sit in the same chair with Hall of Famers like the legendary Kix Brooks and of the late, great Bob Kingsley, is a huge honor. This is an awesome time for country music and I can't wait to count down the greatest country hits from coast to coast!”
As part of Brooks & Dunn, Brooks just earned his 15th win in the Country Music Association's Vocal Duo of the Year category during last week's CMA Awards, held Nov. 20 in Nashville.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/pro/kix-brooks-american-country-countdown-country-radio-ryan-fox/
