Report: Bobby Bones ‘On the Brink’

Bobby Bones (Tennessean)

Bobby Bones is not ashamed to admit that he's not a cowboy, and he doesn't own a belt buckle.

According to USA Today, when he hosted a Top 40 radio show in Austin, Texas, Bones said he took on criticism because he talked about country music too much for pop radio.

Now, the criticism comes from the other direction. Just like the artists Bones says he relates to the most — The Band Perry, Gloriana, Brett Eldredge — he's able to draw in a younger audience, but he's also been told he's not "country enough" for traditional country fans.

The Bobby Bones Show, which features co-hosts Amy (Brown) and Lunchbox (Dan Chappell), sounds a lot like a group of friends sitting on the patio at Jackson's Bar and Bistro in Hillsboro Village talking about whatever comes to mind — politics, current events, music. Only, the conversation is broadcast for millions of people.

And yet, despite his alternative take on country and unconventional formula, Bones stands on the brink of becoming the new voice of country music radio. He hosts three syndicated shows, anchored by the Bobby Bones Show, a weekday program that launched in February in 35 country radio markets, and soon will be in 50 markets nationwide.

Bones sits atop a competitive Nashville country morning radio market. Of the top 12 morning shows, three are country.

When The Bobby Bones Show entered the market in March, it debuted in third place in the key 25-54 demographic among country radio stations behind WKDF-FM and WSM-FM. By June, Bones' show had taken over first place and continued to extend its lead through August.

Bones, who grew up in Arkansas and Tennessee, said he takes offense when people say he's new to country music.

Bones, 33, said his show works because he and his co-hosts have diverse backgrounds.

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