60 seconds with... Baylen Leonard
Listen to Baylen on Absolute Radio Country
Last updated 14th May 2021
When any country artist is in the UK, this is where they all go first. Baylen will have your back on country artist access, music and experiences. Playing all today's best country hits but also taking you on a fun journey of country music discovery. Here, Baylen answers all the burning questions about his love for country music.
Name three of your all-time top 10 songs
'Jolene' - Dolly (come on, surely this is on everyone’s top 10!)
'Rhinestone Cowboy' - Glen Campbell
'Country Roads' - John Denver
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
'Keep on the Sunny Side' - The Carter Family
Do you have any rituals you do before you start a show?
I’m not a rituals type of guy, I’m just usually so excited to share some song I’ve just found or play one that I can’t stop listening to, that I just hop on air and see what the listeners think about it.
How tall are you?
I always say 6ft 1 but then am always challenged on it by people who are actually 6ft 1 so I think I’m actually 6ft.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My cat Charlene! She’s been with me for 14 years, far longer than most things I have.
I love country because...
It’s in my blood, it’s part of my DNA. I grew up in East Tennessee in a town called Bristol that is officially recognised as the birthplace of country music, so to me it feels like home.
The song that got me into country...
Growing up where I did, it was always around so I don’t know that there was ever a time when I wasn’t into country. It’s a way of life where I come from. The first song that I remember being obsessed with though was 'Fancy' by Reba McIntire, a major crossover hit but with the heart and storytelling of true country thanks to Bobbie Gentry.
New country artists I’m really excited about...
Lainey Wilson is currently on fire and about to explode.
Lauren Jenkins is amazing and more people need to know that.
Folk Soul Revival are from my hometown, have a growing fanbase here and are as authentic as the dirt roads we grew up on.
The artist I’ll always come back to is...
Dolly, always Dolly.
Best songs for a long drive?
'Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)' by Dierks Bentley. Singing it out loud with all the windows down.
Absolute Radio Country show schedule:
Dave Berry
6am - 10am Monday - Friday
Big gigs, great guests and loads more - The Dave Berry Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio, weekdays from 6am.
Bush & Richie
4pm – 7pm Monday - Friday
The Hometime show, brought to you by Andy Bush & Richie Firth. 3 hours of nonsense presented by 2 confused dads. Apologies in advance.
Baylen Leonard
10am – 1pm Monday - Fridays and 4pm – 7pm Sundays
When any country artist is in the UK this is where they will all go first. Baylen has all the best country artist access, music and experiences.
Every Sunday afternoon 4pm – 7pm on the Front Porch show Baylen takes you on a journey through Country, Roots, and Americana music.
Una Healy
9am - 12pm Saturdays
Country music writer, singer, ex-member of The Saturdays and your host of Absolute Radio Country every Saturday morning, Una Healy. Spend your morning with her as she plays the best new and iconic country songs.
DJ Hish
Creating the mixes 7pm - 8pm Friday and 7pm – 8pm Saturdays
You haven't experienced a party until you've been to a Country music party. DJ Hish goes into the mix playing you some iconic country music and the hottest tunes of today direct from Nashville.
The Nashville Show
7pm - 10pm Monday - Thursday
Paul and Jasmine connect you direct to Nashville each weekday evening. Exclusive access to the music city and all the biggest names in Country music.
Matt Spracklen
12pm - 4pm Saturday and Sunday
Matt Spracklen plays the best country songs from across the decades to the best of today. Matt also introduces you to some of the best British & Irish country music out right now.
Jennie Longdon
4pm - 8pm Saturdays, 9am - 12pm Sundays
Jennie Longdon plays the best country songs from across the decades to the best of today. There'll be Country tracks you've not heard for ages and new tracks you'll love.
Lou Nash
1pm - 4pm Monday - Friday
Dolly's '9-5', Jimmy Buffet '5 o'clock Somewhere' and Dierks Bentley 'Drunk On A Plane' are just three of Lou's Top 10 all time fave Country music songs... but she's only allowed to play them once between 9am-5am weekdays for the No Repeat Guarantee.