At the time, the leader was American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley (now hosted by Ryan Fox).
Landis' concept was simple: A DJ and a country star co-host would count down the week’s top 30 and talk about the songs and artists in the chart.
Numerous DJs were considered, before they decided on Radio & Records' Country Editor, Lon Helton.
When Country Countdown USA began on April 4, 1992, the show had about 75 affiliates, including WYNY-FM New York and KLAC Los Angeles.
The first co-host was Steve Wariner, who was enjoying his first hit on the Arista Records label, “The Tips of My Fingers.” The song ultimately went to #1.
The show's unique live sound and funny conversation quickly made it a favorite with the “hot new country” stations that were becoming popular.
When Amber Radio launched in the east of England in September 1995, it included the show in its line-up, country having long been popular in the region.
[4] On July 20, 2022, it was reported that Compass Media Networks would begin distributing Country Countdown USA on August 1.
The newspaper eliminated the feature in the late 90s, but it was kept in the radio show, basing it on the song in the Top 5 with the most increased points.
At the time, the company did a new release show for pop radio hosted by Joel Denver called Future Hits.
CCUSA host Lon Helton was named the National Air Personality of the Year by the Country Music Association in 2002 and 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021.