Lonnie Bell got his first taste of radio when his band performed on Honolulu station KAHU while serving in the U.S. Navy. He later became a DJ at that station and several others while fulfilling his military service.

After completing his tour of duty, Lonnie moved to western Washington and continued to play music and work in radio. While there, he hired an unknown singer to perform with his band. That singer was Loretta Lynn, one of many future country stars that Lonnie introduced and promoted over the years. Lonnie has been a continuous fixture in Billings since 1969, first at KOYN AM, and in recent years at KGHL AM.