Pure American Networks has announced that Zack Bennett has been named the new permanent host of the syndicated weekly “Pure American Country “and daily feature Pure American Country Radio Minute.
Bennett has served as interim host since the death of former WSM Nashville morning host Bill Cody in June. He joined the show as producer in 2024 and became Cody’s fill-in host during periods when he was ill in 2025 and earlier this year. He began his career at 98.9 WANT-FM Lebanon TN in 1999 and has also spent time at “95.5 Nash Icon” WSM-FM Nashville. He has been with 650 WSM since 2021 as APD and on-air host and is part of the team responsible for planning and producing every Grand Ole Opry show.
Pure American Country launched in 2003 as the “Country Music Greats Radio Show” hosted by Jim Ed Brown. Cody took over as host in 2015. It is currently heard on 174 stations across the country.
Bennett commented, “On every show, we serve our listeners by playing the music they already know and love. 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. I’ve always said country music is a family, and that includes everyone who has ever listened to it. I want every show to feel a little bit like a family reunion.” He continued, “Bill and I worked together for nearly five years, and I had the privilege of learning from him every day. 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. That trust means even more to me now. Bill was one of the finest broadcasters I’ve ever known, and Pure American Country will always carry his influence. 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 commented, “Zack has 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. He respects the history of the show, but he also knows how to make it feel relevant and engaging for listeners today. That balance is exactly what we want as we move into this next chapter.”
