Your host is Jon Rivers
Our show is written and produced by Frank Scales and researched by Nikki Martinez.
About Jon:
He was born in Memphis, Tennessee and reared in the hills of Mississippi. He claims that if ever there was a real “hillbilly” he was it! Jon Rivers started his journey in radio while still in the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant and Vietnam Veteran. After almost two years in Vietnam finally back in the USA he was stationed near Jacksonville, Florida. Jon spun the tunes at WAPE, the “Mighty 690 The Big Ape” whose air talent included Jay Thomas of Hollywood fame and whose Program Director was the renowned Jack McCoy. He worked the overnight ” graveyard shift” for free ate WAPE to gain experience. Jon says “I have been privileged and blessed to work with and learn from some of the smartest people in entertainment”. After serving in the Marine Corps Jon went back to Memphis and WMPS to do mornings. He then moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and the McLendon “Hybrid” KNUS FM, one of the most successful FM stations in the world boasting the talents of superb voice actor Beau Weaver and Coach Tommy Kramer among many other greats. He worked and learned from Bill Young “THE Coach” at KILT Houston. With the exception of the stint at KILT and a year at CBN in Virginia Beach, Jon has made the DFW area home. Jon helped launch the original KLTY in 1985 but after an unexpected format change Jon retreated to his production studio to work on countless Christian Music Specials with the top names in Christian Music. Jon then became VP of Programming for the re launch of the legendary KLTY and served there from early 1989 until August, 2001 when he and wife Sherry joined the KLOVE Radio Network doing mornings and music for the network. He is now President of Christian Network Services and is part of the American Family Radio (AFR) family, a role that he relishes because of the solid Christian values and a culture of real grace. Jon nearly died in 2009 when while in intense treatment for pain that had existed for decades he became dependant on legally admistered, extremely powerful pain control medication. He recovered only with the help of God and he remains dedicated to helping those who still suffer from dangerous addictions that are totally misunderstood by most.
The voice of “Brother” Jon has been heard around the world for over 40 years through various outlets including the syndicated “POWERLINE” , “COUNTRY CROSSROADS, “MASTER CONTROL”, “THE BAPTIST HOUR”, “GOSPEL AMERICA” and “TWENTY THE COUNTDOWN MAGAZINE” which still can be heard around the world on over 1000 signals. These shows brought he and Dr Buster Wilson together, the man who as General Manager of AFR would later in 2012 welcome Jon and Sherry back to daily Christian broadcasting after the almost life ending events of 2009. Jon has been heard on numerous TV and Radio Commercials plus Documentaries. He is a “Voice Actor” and his work can be sampled at jonrivers.com.
Jon , “his lovely bride Sherry” and their “China Doll” daughter Lexi whom God brought into their lives from China in 2004 live northwest of Dallas/Ft. Worth, on a ranch that includes 12 Morgan Horses, 2 burros, a llama, a dog, a cat, several chickens, a peacock, guineas, and a pair of camels. Jon and Sherry have shown their Morgan horses all around the country, from Texas to Vermont. They bred and raised the World Champion Jr. Reining Horse “River Riders Romeo”. He was World Champion many years thereafter and Sherry has often been the World Champion in Freestyle and in Non Pro. After Jesus, Family and Broadcasting and helping others with deadly addictions and their families those beautiful creatures and the Ranch are their life.
Hey John,
First of all I just wanted to say thank you for all the work you put into the 20 Countdown Broadcast.
It has been a total blessing to me over the time that you have aired it. We pick it up on 95.9 and 95.5 here in Northeast Ohio ( The Light & The Fish Networks). Just when I want to give up God sends another song to lift us up. This happened as I was listening to the CD Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns. We have listen to the cd a number of times since we purchased it in 2009, but you know how God moves by His Sprit, the lights came on as I was listing to the very last song on that project ( Blessed Redeemer). Let me tell you I believe that song really got overlooked by the majority of the fans of Casting Crowns maybe because Mark Hall is not singing the lead. If that is the case shame on us for not picking it out sooner. I have been saved for almost 33 years and God is still fresh to me daily. Must go for now God Bless you and your family and keep up the great work that God has given you.
Your Brother In Christ,
Joe Kerschbaumer
Hi Jon Rivers,
I was just wanting to tell you in case you don’t know: when we hear the countdown every sat. morning, sometimes it is different than on the website! For instance, this week, the future favorite was Busted Heart, by For King & Country. But on here it says something by Nicole Nordaman (sorry I don’t know how to spell her last name)! Did you know that? Just checking to make sure.
Great songs, by the way!
Oh, can you put the new song, Make a Move by Royal Tailor as a future fav. once? I love that song!!!
Hi my name is george paterson from sheffield i am listening to you on ucb uk radio (united christian broadcasting it i am listening to you today sat 15/10/11 http://www.citylifecc.com this is my church i am from sheffield
http://www.ucbmedia.com from sheffield
Hi! John Rivers
I rally enjoy your show every Saturday morning all the way in Kenya on Radio 316. Great job. Be blessed.
Jon,
I enjoy hearing you ministry through music. I don’t get to hear every week on Countdownbut try as often as I can. I miss listening to you and Sheri in the mornings. My morning drive to work is just not the same!
Thank you your ministry and perspective on today’s music.
Hey Jon
I always an ardent listener of your show here in nigeria via shortwave broadcast .I’m curious if there could be a way for me to download each show as a podcast.is there pls? keep it up
Thanks
Not yet. We will work on that for the future!
Jon, Sherry and Lexi,
I started listening to you when I lived in Midland, TX in 2001 . I am not sure if Lexi was around then. I looked forward to hearing Jon and Sherry in the morning, voices daily and your awesome selection of uplifting positive encouraging music and guest. It made such a difference in my baby Christian life. Hearing Sherrys laugh reminded me of the octopus lady in the little mermaid, and it was such awesome connection to that family life feeling coming through the radio into my kitchen or living room. I could feel your presence in my home. I could tell when you all were picking at each other. Memories of Lexi in the background and her growing stages.
.
When I didn’t hear you anymore on Klov it was like a shock. Almost tragic. Yes with all that passion. I was angry at Klov. I had no idea what happened. I did not know what to think. No good bye no proper farewell. I still love Klov but I wish you two had your own station 24/7.
One day at a work while I was doing the boring laundry at a hotel, someone had left a radio and the only station that come in was 20 the Count Down Magazine when I heard your voice I was so excited I could not wait to get home and see how I could get more. I am so glad to hear you all are doing well and to see your Family picture. I live in Lake Dallas now. I wish I could see you. God bless you richly. Thank you so much for all your blessings, effort and time.
ESTELLA
I would love to be able to buy songs from your top 20 countdown from your website. Now I have to write down the song – then go buy from Amazon. Would prefer to support you.
Something to think about, just sayin’
Thank you for the top 20!
Some of the songs have a “buy it” link. You can support us by using these!