Zack Bennett is moving into the seat Bill Cody held for a decade at Pure American Country. Pure American Networks has made him permanent host of the nationally syndicated program, months after he stepped in as interim host following Cody’s death in June.
Bennett’s radio career began in 1999 at WANT in nearby Lebanon, Tennessee, launching a 27-year run in the medium. His path through the industry included six years at Nashville’s 95.5 Nash Icon (WSM-FM), national work through Westwood One, and nearly five years at 650 AM WSM, where he currently serves as Assistant Program Director and an on-air host.
For the past four years, he has also been part of the team that plans and produces every Grand Ole Opry show.
Pure American Country launched in 2003 as the Country Music Greats Radio Show, with Jim Ed Brown serving as its original host. Cody took over as host in 2015 and led the program for a decade. Bennett joined the show’s production team in 2024, continuing to write and produce it while Cody hosted. He also guest-hosted during periods in 2025 and early 2026 when illness kept Cody from recording.
“Bill and I worked together for nearly five years, and I had the privilege of learning from him every day,” Bennett said. “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.”
Pure American Country Executive Producer Martin Davis said, “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.”
