Category Archives: Kenny Chesney

Contemporary country star Kenny Chesney didn’t have the immediate breakout success that many of his peers enjoyed upon signing with major labels, but gradually built up a significant not long after via hard work, pop-friendly ballads, and a likable, average-guy persona. Chesney was born in Knoxville, TN, in 1968 and raised in the nearby small town of Luttrell, better known as the home of Chet Atkins. He grew up listening to both country and rock & roll, but didn’t get serious about material until college, when he studied marketing at East Tennessee State University. He received a guitar as a Christmas present and set about practicing, and was soon performing with the college bluegrass band. He soon began writing material as well and played for tips in local stages — most frequently a Mexican restaurant — every night he could; additionally, he managed to sell 1,000 albums of a self-released demo album. After graduation in 1991, he moved to Nashville and became the resident performer at the Turf, a rougher honky tonk in the city’s historic district. during he gained experience, it wasn’t the sort of place where he’d be discovered, and in 1992, he moved on to a publishing deal with Acuff-Rose. From there he acquired a record record deal with Capricorn and issued his debut album, In My Wildest Dreams, in late 1993.

Unfortunately for Chesney, Capricorn wasn’t much of a country label; not only was the album underpromoted, but the label’s country division shut down completely not long after its release. Still, it sold 100,000 copies and caught the attention of several big-time major labels. Chesney ended up signing with RCA subsidiary BNA, which issued All I Need to Know in 1995. The record gave him his first two Top Ten favorites in the title track and “Fall in Love.” His follow-up, 1996’s Me and You, became his first album to go gold, thanks to two number two singles in the title track and “When I Close My Eyes.” 1997’s I Will Stand was another gold-selling effort that gave Chesney his first-ever number one hit in “She’s Got It All,” plus another number two with “That’s Why I’m Here.” His big-time breakthrough, however, followed with 1999’s Everywhere We Go, which sold over two million copies and spawned two number one smashes with “You Had Me from Hello” and “How Forever Feels”; it also featured another Top Ten single in “What I Need to Do,” and another, “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” that just missed. In 2000, Chesney gave us his first Greatest favorites compilation, and two newly recorded music — “I Lost It” and “Don’t Happen Twice” — went to number three and number one, respectively.

Greatest smashes became Chesney’s second straight double-platinum release and dominated the country LP charts. He followed it with the all-new No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem in early 2002, which gave him his strongest commercial performance yet. It, too, hit number one on the country record charts and spun off four Top Ten singles in “Young,” the number one “The Good Stuff,” the Bill Anderson co-write “A Lot of Things Different,” and “Big Star.” A Christmas album plugged the gap for 2003, and he returned strongly with 2004’s When the Sun Goes Down, which won in the record of the Year category at the Country music Awards. He repeated the win, this time as Entertainer of the Year, with Be as You Are (songs from an Old Blue Chair). Chesney found himself the subject of much press rag fodder in 2005 with his surprise marriage to actress Renée Zellweger (he had composed 1999’s “You Had Me from Hello” after watching Zellweger in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire). The duo split that same year, citing irreconcilable differences, and Chesney gave us the chart-topping The Road and the Radio in November. In the years that followed, Chesney kept busy, releasing Live: Live Those music Again in 2006 and Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates in 2007.

Kenny, Cameras, and Outdated Concert Rules

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Kenny Chesney is cited for confiscating a woman’s camera during a show at Gillette Stadium, but is the reasoning behind his action really outdated? Kenny Chesney fans all over are reading the news today that Kenny confiscated a woman’s camera at a show in Foxborough this last weekend, which brings to light a serious question aimed at both concert-goers and organizers alike: In this day of camera phones, miniature HD camcorders, and the wild spread of social media buzz and hype, how realistic or even beneficial is it to try policing these devices at concerts? Seriously, seeing live footage of a concert only makes fans more excited to see the artist themselves, and you WANT fans to come to concerts! That’s where the real money is! Not in record sales, not in iTunes downloads, not in awards shows. A person video-streaming from a show to perhaps their Twitter or Qik account becomes a personal recommendation for that artist to all of their friends, fans and followers. Where I come from that’s called FREE PRESS! Social media is one of THE most powerful tools in a modern marketing arsenal for any artist, and concert officials are trying to block it by banning video devices at shows? Passionate fans become your brand ambassadors so why stifle them? Why prevent them from creating a positive buzz about your live performance? Of course the only semi-decent argument I’ve heard is that in the event something goes wrong at a show, you may not want video proof of it. Do they mean the obviously-staged Tim McGraw fan removal (gee, it was great for press the first time, let’s do it again!)? Or the recent outpouring of sympathy and support for those hurt in the Canadian concert stage collapse last week? Either way, I think the rules regarding video recording at live concerts need a little updating. Limit my allowable devices. Only block pro gear. Require registration. But don’t stop me from being a dedicated fan who spreads the word about my favorite artists! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter in the comments below!Country Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney Sun City Carnival Tour Review

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Kenny Chesney played to a sold out arena Saturday night at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. The audience was mostly ladies, several decked out in cut off jean shorts and cowboy boots. Also noticeable were quite a few men who could easily be categorized as “Parrot Heads” aka Jimmy Buffett fans, who wore button down tropical shirts. The crowd was explosive as Kenny made his entrance on a flying chair of sorts during the first song, “She Thinks My Tractor is Sexy.” He swung in just barely out of reach of the audience. After taking his place on the stage, the songs seemed to fly by. Kenny didn’t spend a much time between songs interacting with the audience which was a slight letdown. The energy of the show was great though and lasted throughout his entire performance, which ran a little less than two hours. Highlights of the show included “Don’t Happen Twice,” “Beer in Mexico,” and “Back Where I Come From,” in which the large screen behind the stage featured several photographs of Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. Backing Kenny was a large band which included a four-piece horn section. The music was a great mix of classic rock, country, and pop music. Kenny included quite a few covers in his set, ending the show with “Jack and Diane” prior to the encore. For the encore, Kenny sang “Don’t Blink” and then the band played “Carry on My Wayward Son” by Kansas while he signed autographs before exiting the stage. Kenny Chesney Setlist: She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy Live Those Songs Summertime Beer in Mexico Keg in the Closet Out Last Night Big Star No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems I Go Back Anything But Mine Down The Road Me and You There Goes My Life Living In Fast Forward Young Never Wanted Nothing More Back Where I Come From Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven When The Sun Goes Down Don’t Happen Twice Jack and Diane Encore: Don’t Blink Erin Coleman is an independent guest writer for CMNB. We look forward to many more interviews and reviews!Country Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney kicks off GAC Superstar Summer

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Kenny Chesney is set to appear in a 2 hour special kickin the summer off right with GAC! Kenny Chesney will help GACTV launch a special series of summer shows with a 2 hour special covering concert footage, interviews and videos highlighting the artist. The GAC Superstar Summer will also showcase other artists like George Strait, Keith Urban, and Montgomery Gentry. The full line-up includes: • May 17: Superstar Sessions with Kenny Chesney, a two-hour celebration of his video hits. • May 21: GAC Nights with George Strait, a rare interview with the King and commentary from some of his fellow artists. • May 22: Top 20 Country Countdown features Montgomery Gentry as the duo talks about its work with the Wounded Warrior project. • May 28: Conversations From The Road With Keith Urban, where GAC gets an inside look at the singer’s Escape Together World Tour.Country Music Photo Gallery

2009 Stagecoach Festival Artists Announced

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Gas prices, struggling economy, and artist cancellations could make this the last Stagecoach Festival. The 2009 Stagecoach Festival (California’s Country Music Festival) planning is well underway, but some fear that the days of country music pilgrimages may be coming to a close. The past few years have seen a decline in ticket and merchandise sales for many event organizers and this year expects to be even worse. Fans who are are struggling with keeping their homes, or scraping pennies just to fill up their gas tanks certainly don’t have the luxury of buying music festival tickets or paying the expenses that are incurred on the trip there and back. Even lesser-known artists have been backing out of recent festival appearances because of high touring costs. But don’t tell that to these country concert stars. Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum have already signed on to appear at  the 2009 Stagecoach Festival in spite of the obvious financial concerns. They will be joined by fellow artists Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Little Big Town, Chris Cagle,  and many more! Tickets go on sale next week, and the success of this festival may determine the future of the event.Country Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney Takes Top Tour Revenue

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Kenny Chesney shows his pirate plundering skill as he rakes in highest concert revenue for all country artists in the first 6 months of 2008. Kenny Chesney’s Poets and Pirates tour is the leading country tour in the U.S. for the first six months of the year with Rascal Flatts the only other country artist in the top 10, according to Pollstar. Bon Jovi leads the pack with a $56.3 million gross with an average ticket price of $87.98. Chesney enjoyed a gross of $35.3 million with an average price of $75.28. Rascal Flatts was eighth at $215.4 million on ticket prices of $64.57. Also in the top 100 were: 11. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood’s joint tour – $18.5 million (tickets averaged $55.89) 13. George Strait – $18 million ($64.06) 19. The Eagles – $15.8 million ($130.93) 27. Carrie Underwood – $12.3 million (($48.10) 36. Larry the Cable Guy – $9.5 million ($44.39) 37. Brad Paisley – $9.4 million ($41.21) 40. Rowdy Frynds with Lynyrd Skynyrd/Hank Williams Jr. -$8.5 million ($59.48) 49. Reba McEntire/Kelly Clarkson – $7.5 million ($53.78); 65. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss – $5.4 million ($56.52) 76. Brooks & Dunn/Alan Jackson – $4.5 million ($92.77) 84. Blue Rodeo – $4.2 million ($43.93) 88. Martina McBride – $3.9 million ($51.88) 89. Garth Brooks – $3.8 million (39.29) 91. Trace Adkins – $3.8 million ($44.82) 96. Big & Rich – $3.2 million ($59.20) 99. Dolly Parton – $3 million ($70.38)Country Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesneys Tour Keeps Truckin On

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Despite foot injury, the show will go on for Kenny Chesney! The Kenny Chesney 2008 tour pushes forward as Kenny announces that he will not be altering his Poets and Pirates 2008 tour schedule after visiting with doctors to look over his injured foot and ankle. Saturday night Chesney’s boot became lodged between a hydraulic lift and the stage for nearly 40 seconds as the lift motor kept trying to push the platform up during the opening of his concert in Columbia, S.C. Chesney somehow completed the near 2-hour concert that night, but in visibly severe pain considerable pain and received two shots of morphine after leaving the stage. Initial reports indicated he crushed bones in his foot, however Chesney later consulted with the Tennessee Titans’ sports medicine and orthopedic specialist after returning to Nashville on his tour bus early Sunday morning. The diagnosis is that Chesney sustained a hematoma from the ankle down — with most of the damage in his toes. Chesney emphasized to his doctor that he wanted to avoid canceling any concerts. His doctor provided clearance for Kenny Chesney to pick up his tour at the next show date this Thursday in Austin, Texas. “He told me it’s going to hurt — though nothing could hurt worse than Saturday, I don’t think — and they can give me something to deaden the pain when I get out there,” Chesney said. “I also have to have a doctor standing by should something give, but I’m going to tape it up, and I’m going to get out there.” For Kenny Chesney tour dates, artist biographies and event details, please visit our partner site Country Music On TourCountry Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney – Clothing Designer?

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Kenny Chesney’s got the girl’s swooning with his tight-fittin’ jeans! He may sing “No shoes, No shirt, No problem” but for Kenny Chesney, jeans are a requirement. Rumor has it Kenny Chesney is looking into producing his own line of denim jeans. He has been reported to visit Sight Denim Systems in Henderson, KY who specializes in creating stone-washed and stressed denim. So far all that has been confirmed is that a “concept” line has been created and the project is still in its’ infancy. In case you somehow didn’t already now, Kenny Chesney is currently on his Poets and Pirates concert tour. For Kenny Chesney 2008 concert tour dates, artist biographies and event details, please visit our partner site Country Music On TourCountry Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney May Cancel Keg Tour

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Every year for the past 5 years Kenny Chesney has held what he calls the “Keg in the Closet” pre-tour, but this year he may scrap the whole thing thanks to some nosey net nerds. The tour consists of surprise shows announced only hours ahead of time at bars in smaller college towns prior to each stadium show on his Poets and Pirates tour. His first appearance on this year’s bar run was planned for the Jupiter Bar and Grill in Tuscaloosa Alabama, however someone “hacked” into the bar’s website and somehow found plans to the show. They announced these plans in a comment on the Kenny Chesney website, causing Kenny to re-think the whole idea. “The spirit of this has always been for me and the guys to get out, get a little sloppy, play a bunch of songs we love and have a good time,” Kenny explains. “It’s supposed to be loose, easy and in the moment. But if this kind of craziness is already happening, it means we may have hit the point where we can’t do it anymore. I’d hate that, but these clubs can’t handle that kind of crowding, and I don’t wanna put them through it. It’s a shame. It’s a lot of fun for everybody, and it’s always seemed like the people who didn’t get in were good sports about it.” This would be a terrible shame since the opportunity to see such a big-named artist in such an intimate venue is hard to come by. For Kenny Chesney 2008 concert tour dates, artist biographies and event details, please visit our partner site Country Music On Tour Country Music Photo Gallery

Gary Allan Joins Kenny Chesney’s 2008 “Poets and Pirates” Concert Tour

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Gary Allan is gearing up to join superstar Kenny Chesney on the Corona Extra sponsored 2008 Poets & Pirates concert tour. The tour will hit 14 of the largest stadiums across the country. The all-star lineup for the tour includes Chesney, Allan and LeAnn Rimes. On 10 of the 14 dates Keith Urban (who Allan toured with in the Fall and Winter) will help to anchor the show. On several dates Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, Big & Rich and Luke Bryan will join the tour. When asked about the upcoming summer tour Allan said, “Kenny’s crowds are intense and they come to party. We feed off of that and we can’t wait to get out there. The fact that we’re playing stadiums just sweetens the deal. It’s gonna be a great time.” Included on the tour are stops in Baltimore, Nashville, Cleveland, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Foxboro, Mass among others. Gary is still riding the great success of his last single “Stealing Cinderella” and is hoping to top that with his next release “Watching Airplanes”. For 2008 Concert Tour Dates and Tickets, Click HereCountry Music Photo Gallery