lon helton - Inducted 2006

Since 1992, Lon Helton has been known to listeners nationwide as host of one of the format's most popular radio series, Westwood One Radio Networks' Country Countdown USA. He has hosted various nationally broadcast Country series and specials since 1982, interviewing numerous Country artists. He began his career in 1971 on WVPC, the Voice of Prime beef Country, in Monmouth, IL as night deejay. He was also a Country on-air personality at WGIL-FM, Galesburg, IL from 1972 to 1973; KLAK, Denver, CO from 1973 to 1974; WMAQ, Chicago, IL from 1975 to1977; WJJD and WJEZ Chicago, IL from1977to1980); KHJ, Los Angeles, CA. from 1980-1983 and KLAC Los Angeles, CA from 1983 to1986. In 1989, he helped to create the first radiothon for St. Jude. He has served with many national nonprofit organizations, including being elected both President and Chairman of the CMA (the only person ever to serve three terms in those positions). He has been the winner of CMA's National Broadcast Personality of the year in 2002 and 2004. He is also the Nashville Bureau Chief and Country Editor of Radio and Records.