A Salute to Kenny Chesney
There are lots of things I don’t know about Kenny Chesney, but everything I do know I admire. Few in the music business thought he would amount to much when he began recording for Capricorn Records back in the early 1990s. After all, Capricorn, although a revered Southern rock imprint, had virtually no standing in the country field. Moreover, Chesney didn’t have the looks or the bearing of a star -- at least as stars were perceived in those days. This was the era in which Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt ruled the charts and when Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Doug Stone, Mark Chesnutt, John Michael Montgomery and Collin Raye were all coming on like locomotives.
Chesney first charted in late1993 with “Whatever It Takes.” It peaked at No. 59. The next single, “The Tin Man,” fared even worse, rising only to No. 70. (Chesney’s re-recording of this same song, however, did make it to No. 19 in 2001.) Despite these two disappointments, BNA Records, a division of RCA, signed Chesney in 1994, and it’s been a rocket ride ever since, even though Chesney wouldn’t score his first No. 1 song (“She’s Got It All”) until 1997. At virtually every step of his climb, critics were asking each other what fans saw or heard in this unprepossessing chap from East Tennessee. But such reservations didn’t slow Chesney down. Meanwhile, many of the acts that supposedly had more to offer quietly disappeared from the scene.
If anyone ever had a score to settle with doubters, it was Chesney. As his successes mounted, he could have become loud, cocky and flamboyant and most of us would have understood why. Instead, he let his escalating record and ticket sales do the talking, while he remained the same low-key guy offstage that he was at the start. Except for interviewing him once by phone, I’ve had no personal contact with Chesney, but I’ve been to plenty of his No. 1 parties and rejoiced in the fact that he’s invariably the most self-effacing figure in the room. He always dresses down for these occasions, sometimes looking like a 1920s street urchin, and never arrives with fanfare or an entourage. Clearly, he prefers standing unnoticed at the side of the action and watching others hug and backslap themselves into a state of exhaustion. It’s a wholly different creature from the dynamo we see in the spotlight, but one that’s just as endearing.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
ashley says:
I love this guy. He is such a great singer and person.
B.W. LaRoy says:
He is an ordinary hero. That is a good thing for those of us who get it. I believe that when the radio quits playing him and the Big Joe Nashville Machine parts ways with him…he’ll quietly go back to his room and play air guitar in his bedroom…and maybe even get a job at the plant…or produce the career re-launching of Natalie Maines….singing Copacabana by Barry Manilow.
Robin says:
I personally have never met him but I have read from many people who have met him that he is very down-to-earth, quiet, soft spoken, very sweet and sincere. He truly does appreciate his fans and the life his fans have given him. He takes nothing for granted. He has worked very hard personally and professionally to get where he is today and he deserves everything he receives in return. His career started out slowly and quietly, just like his personality, but he has climbed his way to the TOP of the music (not just country) business and has taken everyone by surprise! He is still the same unassuming, southern gentleman he has always been - success hasn’t changed him. That’s the most basic reason why his fans love and adore him. He IS just like us. He respects us and we respect him. When he is onstage he is a totally different personality. He adores the crowds, the atmosphere and the love from his fans and we in turn enjoy receiving his love and dedication. He truly does love what he is doing and it is so obvious when he is performing. You can’t help but get caught up in the moment and be happy and proud of him. Can’t wait for Poets & Pirates tour to start!!
Ernestine says:
I really like Kenny the way he sings his songs. My daughters and myself seen him on CMT in 1993 “The Tin Man”
and I’ve been a fan ever since. I hope to meet Kenny in person one of these days. “Keep up the Good Work Kenny”
Tanya says:
Kenny is the kind of star we all think of as a friend.
Marie says:
The accolades are long overdue for Kenny Chesney, he has demonstrated his abilities for years. He could have easily let the fame go to his head but instead he allowed his music to shine through. He is truly one of the greats but more than that he is still just one of us. He is one of the few artist today who truly appreciates and cares about his fans. Way to go!
Chris says:
I think Kenny is a down to earth Person.I think as he once said “He didn’t expect to be this Great”But we think you deserve every award that you win Kenny.I read where he hired most of his crew from his hometown.That is great and I’m sure they are loyal group.Kenny is my favorite singer.I like seeing him online when he has his sweats on.I love his new cd.You’re great Kenny,we all Love you
Wendie says:
I love Kenny Chesney very much.My mom and I watched his two makings of the Flip Flop tour.Kenny worked really hard last year to change his background for this years shows “The Flip Flop Tour” I don’t know when he had time to go to the Islands last year.That’s why we were so glad he won the “Entertainer of the year” again.You make all your fans proud of you Kenny.We Love your show every year.
Jason says:
Kenny deserves way more praise than he is currently receiving. He has helped to launch Country music into markets that never expected its presence. I saw Kenny live in Pitt front row this year, and can honestly say that along with Brooks & Dunn produced a concert that is untouchable. I honestly feel bad for Kenny and the guys because they have to top their show from last year! It’s amazing to hear about someone who is so reserved and yet holds nearly all the power in the country music business. He is definitely some serious inspiration and a hero to me!
Chris says:
Kenny Chesney’s first #1 record was in 1997 but it was “When I Close My Eyes” check his top 20 minutes in Kenny Chesney Life.Was on CMT last fall.He’s still the Greatest singer out now,has the best shows.
Heather says:
I personally have met Kenny I remeber it like it was yesterday! It was back in Ohio when he first went on tour with George Strait! he was so sweet and he remebered meeting me the next year when I got to met and greet with him again it was great! hope he never changes his personalilty Kenny has such a way with his fans thats what makes him so lovable and his music rocks it make you feel he is just singing to you.
~Alex~ says:
love love love love love love love love Kenny! He is one of the greatest things that ever happend to country music….. if any of you havent (or even if you have) u have GOT to go to one of his shows…. anywhere… its amazing!! connects like no other!
Angie says:
Kenny is just AWESOME!!!!! The best day of my year for the past 5 years has been when I see Kenny in concert. I can’t imagin a summer without Kenny!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jackie says:
Kenny is my hero, he is the man! He and his music have gotten me through some pretty hard times and when I am feeling down or think I can’t do something, he is right there to push me. I can’t imagine music without Kenny in it, he is my life! He makes my week and/or month! Thanks Kenny for all that you are and all that you do:)
Just Joe says:
Kenny wasn’t a big name until he stole Jimmy Buffett’s beach gimmick Now he’s just riding that wave to the bank.
Hey Kenny, do me a favor. Move to the islands and STAY there!
Just Joe says:
And I salute Kenny Chesney as well: with an extended middle finger.
kerry says:
kenny,kerry loves you!
kerry says:
HEY KENNY&KEITH,CAN KERRY SING WITH YOU GUYS ON STAGE @XCEL ENERGY CENTER SOMETIME?
Kasey says:
Kenny Chesney. You are a great person, song writer and singer. You have the best show ever and you are one remarkable man. You to me are one of the greatest country singers of all time right up there with George Jones and others. You have touched my soul with your music and for that I Thank You. I hope that Kenny Chesney has a long life with music and it takes you right where you want to be. You deserve every awrd you win and at times I have felt you weren’t given enogh for all you do. Your shyness and being a private person shows the worl you are a man who has a life and your hust like everyone else and you want to be Kenny the person when your not working and I praise you for that. Kenny Chesney is the type of man that every mother hopes that her son grows up to be like smart, sewwt and a good person with respect and morals. I wish you all the happiness life can bring! Your GREAT!
jack says:
What is the name of that song that has Kris krisoffson in it.?? love old country
Amy Henson says:
I think Kenny is a great entertainer. On stage, though, he seems to have an ego and sometimes it reflects. I mean it is alright to be confident. Some of us could use that confidence. Kenny seems to be over confident at times. He seems like a nice person, but his comments seem to offend people. I still like his music and won’t stop listening. He is a very goodlooking man too and his shows rock! I have fun every time I go. I can’t judge him, because I don’t know him personally. Keep up the good work, Kenny :)