Born in east Tennessee, Kenny Chesney did not consider music a viable career until later in life. He dreamed of being a professional athlete. After he stopped growing at 5'8", it became clear that his dream was not probable. After he had entered college at East Tennessee State University he learned to play guitar and began performing with a bluegrass band at local joints near the college. He took the encouragement he got as a sign to continue in music.
Chesney moved to Nashville and began performing at clubs and music venues. He crafted a homemade demo, which managed to sell over 1,000 copies. In 1992, Chesney secured a deal with Acuff-Rose publishing as a songwriter. Towards the end of 1993, he signed his first record deal with Capricorn Records and released his debut album, In My Wildest Dreams. Unfortunately, his debut album did not become successful, and Capricorn later shut its doors.
Chesney signs with BNA Records
Chesney's debut album caught the attention of an executive at BNA Records, and he was signed to a new record deal shortly thereafter. He released All I Need to Know in 1995; the album contained the hits "All I Need to Know" and "Fall In Love." He eventually earned his first Number One song in 1997 with "She Got It All," from his I Will Stand album. The album was rewarded in 1998, when Chesney was named Best New Male Vocalist by the Country Music Association.
EveryWhere I Go
Although audiences began to take notice of Chesney, his breakthrough album was Everywhere I Go, which spawned two Number One singles, "You Had Me From Hello" and "How Forever Feels." The song "You Had Me From Hello" was written after Chesney watched the movie Jerry MaGuire, which featured Rene Zellweger.
In 2000, an arguably premature Greatest Hits package was released; this album featured two new hit songs, "I Lost It," and "Just Don't Happen Twice." Thanks to these two singles, the Greatest Hits package went double-platinum, selling over 2 million copies.
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems
In 2002, Chesney revealed a closer look into his life and personality with No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems, which featured more of a Carribean theme to his music. This trend would continue throughout his future albums. The album would produce four Top Ten singles, including "Young," "The Good Stuff," "A Lot of Things Different," and "Big Star." The album sold over 3 million copies.
Now possessing a string of Top Ten and Number One singles, Chesney's audiences were massive, and he began headlining his own tours. His "Margaritas and Senoritas" tour drew over 1.1 million fans, and grossed over $40 million.
When The Sun Goes Down
In 2004, Chesney returned with When The Sun Goes Down. The lead single (and title track) from this album featured a duet with pop-rocker Uncle Kracker, and went to Number One on the country charts. The song's video continued with Chesney's beloved island theme. That same year, Chesney was awarded the Country Music Association's highest honors, receiving the Album of the Year and Entertainer of the Year awards. His "Guitars, Tiki Bars, and A Whole Lot of Love" tour grossed $50 million.
Chesney and Tim McGraw Arrested
In 2000, Chesney and friend (and fellow country artist) Tim McGraw were arrested in New York following a concert there. Chesney mounted a policeman's horse, while McGraw held back officers who attempted to bring Chesney off the horse. McGraw was arrested on charges of suspicion of second-degree assault, while Chesney was arrested for disorderly conduct. Both are later acquitted on all charges.
Chesney's marriage to Rene Zellweger
In 2005, Chesney met actress Rene Zellweger at a telethon for Asian Tsunami victims; the two married shortly thereafter. It proved to be a short-lived and highly publicized union. The marriage was annulled soon after the wedding day, with each party citing irreconcilable differences.
Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates
From 2005 until 2008, Chesney won Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2007, he released Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates. The album contained the hits "Never Wanted Nothing More," "Don't Blink," and "Shiftwork," a duet with George Strait. Chesney also co-wrote Rascal Flatts hit single, "Take Me There."
Lucky Old Sun
Chesney released Lucky Old Sun in 2008, which contained the singles "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven," and "Down the Road." He later released a second Greatest hits package with the single "We Went Out Last Night." He also dated Amy Colley, a 24-year-old former Miss Tennessee; the two broke up in early 2009.
Summary
Kenny Chesney has amassed a great catalog of hit songs and best-selling tours with his combination of good looks, solid songwriting, endearing vocal styling, high-energy performances, and "everyday man" persona.
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