Kenny Chesney is a highly successful American country singer with a career spanning several decades. He has released over 20 albums, resulting in more than 40 Top 10 singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Notably, 32 of these singles achieved the coveted number one spot. Chesney's music has also found success on the Billboard Hot 100, with many songs breaking into the Top 40, solidifying his position as a prominent crossover country artist. His global album sales exceed 30 million, reflecting his widespread popularity.
March 26, 1968: Birth of Kenny Chesney
On March 26, 1968, Kenny Chesney was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming a celebrated figure in country music.
1986: Graduation from Gibbs High School
In 1986, Kenny Chesney graduated from Gibbs High School, where his journey in music began with a gift of his first guitar.
1989: Recording of "Good Old Boy At Heart"
In 1989, a year before graduating college, Chesney demonstrated his initiative and passion for music by recording and self-releasing his debut demo album "Good Old Boy At Heart".
1990: Move to Nashville and Start of Performance at The Turf
After graduating college in 1990, Chesney made a pivotal move to Nashville, the heart of country music, and began performing at The Turf, further immersing himself in the city's music scene.
1990: Release of Mac McAnally's "Simple Life"
In 1990, Mac McAnally released his album "Simple Life," which featured the song "Back Where I Come From," later covered by Kenny Chesney on his live album "Live: Live Those Songs Again."
1990: Inception of SoundScan Electronic Tabulation
In 1990, SoundScan introduced its electronic tabulation system for tracking music sales, marking a significant development in the music industry.
1990: Graduation from East Tennessee State University
Kenny Chesney graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1990 with a degree in advertising, marking a turning point from his education to pursuing a career in music.
1990: Mac McAnally Releases "Back Where I Come From"
Mac McAnally released the original version of "Back Where I Come From" in 1990, a song Chesney would later cover for his "Me and You" album.
March 1991: Performance at The Bluebird Cafe
In March 1991, Chesney's talent earned him a successful audition and performance at the renowned Bluebird Cafe, a steppingstone for many aspiring country musicians.
1991: Keith Palmer Releases "When I Close My Eyes"
"When I Close My Eyes", a song later covered by Chesney on his "Me and You" album, was initially released by Keith Palmer on his 1991 debut album.
1992: Signing with Opryland Music Group
A year after moving to Nashville, in 1992, Chesney's talent was recognized by industry professionals leading to him securing a songwriter's contract with Opryland Music Group, a significant advancement in his burgeoning career.
1993: Larry Stewart Releases "When I Close My Eyes"
Larry Stewart also recorded a version of "When I Close My Eyes" for his 1993 album "Down the Road", preceding Chesney's rendition.
April 1994: Release of Debut Album "In My Wildest Dreams"
April 1994 marked the release of Kenny Chesney's debut album, "In My Wildest Dreams", under the Capricorn Records label; although met with limited commercial success, the album represents his formal entry into the country music scene.
June 1995: Signing with BNA Records and Release of "All I Need to Know"
In June 1995, Chesney signed with BNA Records and released his second studio album, "All I Need to Know", marking a turning point as he aimed to capture a more traditional country sound.
June 1996: Release of "Me and You"
June 1996 saw the release of Chesney's third studio album and his second with BNA Records, titled "Me and You", which achieved gold certification and featured a cover of Mac McAnally's "Back Where I Come From".
July 1997: Release of "I Will Stand"
July 1997 marked the release of Chesney's fourth studio album and his third with BNA Records, "I Will Stand", featuring his debut number one hit single "She's Got It All".
1997: Academy of Country Music's New Male Vocalist of the Year Award
Chesney's rising talent was recognized in 1997 when he was honored with the Academy of Country Music's New Male Vocalist of the Year award, a testament to his growing influence in the genre.
1997: ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney was recognized as the Academy of Country Music's New Male Vocalist of the Year in 1997.
1998: "That's Why I'm Here" Peaks at Number 2
"That's Why I'm Here", the third single from the "I Will Stand" album, achieved significant chart success, peaking at number 2 in 1998.
March 1999: Release of "Everywhere We Go"
Chesney's fifth studio album, "Everywhere We Go", was released in March 1999, marking a departure from his earlier work as he transitioned to a more country pop and island-inspired sound that would become his signature.
September 2000: Release of "Greatest Hits" Compilation
September 2000 marked a milestone in Chesney's career with the release of his "Greatest Hits" compilation album, reflecting his success and featuring new tracks alongside updated versions of previous hits.
2000: Incident with Police in Buffalo
Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw were involved in an altercation with police officers in Buffalo, New York, in 2000, after Chesney's attempt to ride a police horse led to misinterpretations and McGraw's intervention.
2001: Acquittal of Charges
Following the 2000 Buffalo incident, both Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw were acquitted of their respective charges in 2001.
April 2002: Release of "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems"
Kenny Chesney released his sixth studio album, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems," in April 2002, which featured the hit single "The Good Stuff," a song that topped the charts and became Billboard's number one country song of the year.
June 2002: CMT Music Awards for "Young"
Chesney's music video for "Young" received recognition at the CMT Music Awards in June 2002, winning both Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year.
January 2003: "Big Star" Peaks at Number 2
"Big Star," the fourth single released from the album "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems," climbed the charts to reach the number 2 spot in January 2003, further solidifying Chesney's presence in country music.
May 2003: Academy of Country Music Awards for Chesney and "The Good Stuff"
Chesney's success continued in May 2003 as he was named Top Male Vocalist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, where "The Good Stuff" also garnered the award for Single Record of the Year.
October 2003: Recording and Collaborations
In October 2003, Kenny Chesney recorded "All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan." The title track gained popularity, reaching No. 30 on the country charts from holiday airplay. Also in October 2003, Chesney co-wrote Kid Rock's single "Cold and Empty" from his sixth studio album, "Kid Rock."
2003: ACM Top Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney won the award for Top Male Vocalist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2003.
February 2004: Release of "When the Sun Goes Down" Album
In February 2004, Kenny Chesney released his album "When the Sun Goes Down." This album featured several hit singles, including "There Goes My Life" which topped the Billboard country charts for seven weeks, and the title track, a duet with Uncle Kracker, which also reached number one.
April 2004: CMT Music Award for "The Good Stuff"
The music video for Chesney's popular single "The Good Stuff" continued to garner accolades, winning the fan-voted Hottest Video of the Year award at the CMT Music Awards in April 2004.
April 21, 2004: CMT Music Award for "There Goes My Life"
On April 21, 2004, Kenny Chesney's music video for "There Goes My Life" won the CMT Music Award for Male Video of the Year.
2004: Award Recognition for Chesney's Work
In 2004, Kenny Chesney's album "When the Sun Goes Down" was awarded Album of the Year at the CMA Awards, and he himself was named Entertainer of the Year. His success extended beyond country music, as he was also honored as the Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards in 2004.
2004: ACM Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney won the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year award in 2004.
2004: Chesney Meets Zellweger at Tsunami Relief Event
In 2004, Kenny Chesney met actress Renée Zellweger at a relief event for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. This encounter marked the beginning of their relationship.
2004: Collaboration with Jimmy Buffett
In 2004, Kenny Chesney collaborated with Jimmy Buffett on two songs for Buffett's album "License To Chill." Chesney joined a star-studded lineup including Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and George Strait on a remake of Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'." Additionally, he collaborated with Buffett on the song "License to Chill."
January 2005: Release of "Be as You Are" and Tour
Kenny Chesney released his album "Be as You Are (Songs from an Old Blue Chair)" in January 2005 and embarked on his Somewhere in the Sun Tour to support the album. This album, largely composed of ballads, achieved platinum certification from the RIAA and reached the top of both country and pop music charts.
April 11, 2005: CMT Music Award for "I Go Back"
On April 11, 2005, Chesney's music video for "I Go Back" from his album "When the Sun Goes Down" was recognized with the CMT Music Award for Male Video of the Year.
May 9, 2005: Chesney Marries Renée Zellweger
On May 9, 2005, Kenny Chesney married actress Renée Zellweger in a ceremony on the island of St. John. They had met earlier that year at a relief event.
May 2005: ACM Triple-Crown Award
In May 2005, Kenny Chesney received the prestigious Triple-Crown Award from the Academy of Country Music. This honor combined his 2004 Entertainer of the Year award with his previous wins for New Male Vocalist of the Year in 1997 and Top Male Vocalist of the Year in 2003.
September 15, 2005: Chesney and Zellweger Announce Annulment
On September 15, 2005, Kenny Chesney and Renée Zellweger announced their plans to annul their marriage after only four months. Zellweger initially cited "fraud" as the reason, but later clarified that it was "simply legal language", while Chesney admitted to panicking and not understanding what marriage entailed.
November 2005: Release of "The Road and the Radio" Album
In November 2005, Kenny Chesney released "The Road and the Radio." This album topped the Billboard 200 chart and featured five successful singles. "Living in Fast Forward," "Summertime," and "Beer in Mexico" all reached number one, while "Who You'd Be Today" and "You Save Me" both made it into the top 5. Chesney emphasized his commitment to recording high-quality music that would translate well to live performances and radio play.
December 2005: Chesney's Annulment Finalized
Kenny Chesney's annulment from Renée Zellweger was finalized in late December 2005, ending their short-lived marriage.
2005: Chesney's Winning Streak Begins at the Billboard Touring Awards
Kenny Chesney kicked off an impressive run at the Billboard Touring Awards in 2005, marking the beginning of his five consecutive wins for Top Package Tour.
2005: Start of Consecutive ACM Entertainer of the Year Wins
In 2005, Kenny Chesney began his streak of four consecutive Academy of Country Music Award wins for Entertainer of the Year, solidifying his dominance in the genre.
May 2006: Second ACM Entertainer of the Year Award
Kenny Chesney received his second Entertainer of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006.
August 2006: Release of Tracy Lawrence's Single "Find Out Who Your Friends Are"
The official single version of Tracy Lawrence's "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" was released in August 2006. While it didn't initially reach the Top 40 on the country charts, a version featuring Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw gained significant airplay after the album's release.
September 2006: Release of "Live: Live Those Songs Again" Album
In September 2006, Chesney released "Live: Live Those Songs Again," his first live album, under BNA Records. This album features live versions of fifteen songs, eleven of which were previously released as singles.
January 2007: Success of "Find Out Who Your Friends Are"
In January 2007, the release of Tracy Lawrence's album "For the Love," which included the single "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," propelled the song to the top of the country charts. The version featuring Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw became a major hit, marking Lawrence's first No. 1 single in eleven years and becoming one of the slowest-climbing No. 1 singles in Billboard chart history.
September 2007: Release of "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" Album
Kenny Chesney released his album "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" in September 2007. This album showcased a shift towards a more Gulf and Western sound, featuring "breezy, steel-drum island songs." Despite strong competition from Kanye West's "Graduation" and 50 Cent's "Curtis," the album achieved significant sales, debuting at number three.
September 15, 2007: Chart Debut of "Don't Blink"
On September 15, 2007, "Don't Blink," the second single from Kenny Chesney's album "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates," made its debut on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at an impressive No. 16. This marked the highest debut for a single on that chart since SoundScan began electronic tracking in 1990, although Garth Brooks broke the record the following week.
November 2007: CMA Entertainer of the Year and "Super Hits" Release
For the third time in four years, Kenny Chesney was named Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards in November 2007. This month also saw the release of his "Super Hits" compilation album as part of Sony BMG's Super Hits series.
2007: Co-writing Rascal Flatts' Single "Take Me There"
Kenny Chesney, along with Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley, co-wrote Rascal Flatts' 2007 hit single "Take Me There." This song served as the lead single for Rascal Flatts' album "Still Feels Good."
2007: Duet with Reba McEntire
Kenny Chesney collaborated with Reba McEntire in 2007 on the duet "Every Other Weekend" for her album "Reba: Duets." The song performed well, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The album itself was a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide and achieving platinum certification from the RIAA.
April 26, 2008: Foot Injury During Poets and Pirates Tour
On April 26, 2008, during the opening night of his Poets and Pirates Tour at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, Kenny Chesney sustained a serious foot injury. His boot became trapped between a hydraulic lift and the edge of the stage, crushing his foot and causing a severe hematoma in his ankle, with most of the damage affecting his toes. Despite the injury, Chesney continued performing and completed the show.
May 19, 2008: Criticism of ACM Awards Process
A day after winning Entertainer of the Year at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Kenny Chesney voiced his criticism of the awards process. He expressed concerns about the change to a fan-voted system, suggesting that awards should be determined by music industry professionals.
June 2008: "Better as a Memory" Reaches Number One
In June 2008, Kenny Chesney achieved his fourteenth number-one hit with "Better as a Memory," the fourth and final single from his album "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates."
August 2008: "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" Release
In August 2008, Kenny Chesney released the single "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven," which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
October 14, 2008: Lucky Old Sun Album Release
Kenny Chesney released his album "Lucky Old Sun" on October 14, 2008.
2008: End of Consecutive ACM Entertainer of the Year Wins
Kenny Chesney's reign as the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year continued until 2008, marking an impressive four-year run.
May 2009: Greatest Hits II Release
Kenny Chesney's second compilation album, "Greatest Hits II," featuring the hit single "Out Last Night," was released in May 2009.
August 2009: "I'm Alive" Duet Release
August 2009 saw the release of Chesney's duet with Dave Matthews, "I'm Alive," originally recorded by Willie Nelson, as the second single from the "Greatest Hits II" album.
2009: Chesney's Billboard Touring Awards Domination Continues
Kenny Chesney continued his winning streak at the Billboard Touring Awards, securing his fifth consecutive win for Top Package Tour in 2009, solidifying his reputation for outstanding live performances.
2009: Chesney Purchases Franklin, Tennessee Estate
Kenny Chesney purchased a 12,600 square foot home on a sprawling 56-acre estate in Franklin, Tennessee, for $9.2 million in 2009.
2009: Sun City Carnival Tour
In 2009, Kenny Chesney embarked on the Sun City Carnival Tour, incorporating both large and small venues to maintain affordable ticket prices.
February 9, 2010: Greatest Hits II Re-release
On February 9, 2010, Chesney re-released "Greatest Hits II" with two new tracks, "This Is Our Moment" and "Ain't Back Yet."
February 2010: "Ain't Back Yet" Release
In February 2010, "Ain't Back Yet" from the re-released "Greatest Hits II" album, became its third single.
July 2010: "The Boys of Fall" Release
Kenny Chesney released "The Boys of Fall" in July 2010 as the lead single from his upcoming album.
September 2010: Hemingway's Whiskey Release
"Hemingway's Whiskey," Kenny Chesney's album, was released in September 2010.
October 9, 2010: "The Boys of Fall" Tops Charts
"The Boys of Fall" reached the top of the Hot Country Songs chart on the week of October 9, 2010.
November 6, 2010: "Somewhere with You" Debuts
On the week of November 6, 2010, "Somewhere with You" debuted at number 35 on the country chart.
November 2010: "Somewhere with You" Release
"Somewhere with You," the second single from "Hemingway's Whiskey," was released in November 2010.
November 2010: 44th Annual Country Music Awards Performance
Kenny Chesney performed at the 44th Annual Country Music Awards in November 2010.
February 20, 2011: The Color Orange Premiere
Kenny Chesney produced and narrated "The Color Orange," a biographical film about Condredge Holloway, which premiered on February 20, 2011, as part of ESPN's "Year of the Quarterback" series.
2011: Chesney Reclaims Billboard Touring Award
In 2011, Kenny Chesney returned to the Billboard Touring Awards stage, reclaiming his title as the Top Package Tour winner after a brief hiatus, proving his enduring popularity as a live performer.
June 19, 2012: Welcome to the Fishbowl Release
Kenny Chesney released his fourteenth studio album, "Welcome to the Fishbowl," on June 19, 2012.
August 25, 2012: No Shoes Nation Launch
Kenny Chesney announced "No Shoes Nation" as the name of his fan club on August 25, 2012, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
2012: Chesney Secures Back-to-Back Billboard Touring Award Wins
Kenny Chesney maintained his winning momentum at the Billboard Touring Awards in 2012, securing the Top Package Tour award for the second consecutive year, further cementing his status as a touring powerhouse.
2012: Chesney Begins Dating Mary Nolan
Kenny Chesney began dating Mary Nolan in 2012, marking the start of a long-term relationship.
February 5, 2013: "Pirate Flag" Release
"Pirate Flag," the debut single from "Life on a Rock," was released on iTunes on February 5, 2013.
April 30, 2013: Life on a Rock Release
On April 30, 2013, Kenny Chesney released "Life on a Rock," his fifteenth studio album, marking a departure from his usual country style with its beach and island vibes.
May 2013: "Pirate Flag" Chart Performance
"Pirate Flag" achieved its highest position on the Country Airplay chart, reaching number 3 in May 2013.
May 25, 2013: "Pirate Flag" Chart Peak
"Pirate Flag" peaked at number 7 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs list on May 25, 2013.
June 10, 2013: "When I See This Bar" Release
"When I See This Bar," the second single from "Life on a Rock," hit country radio on June 10, 2013.
September 14, 2013: "When I See This Bar" Chart Peak
On September 14, 2013, "When I See This Bar" reached its highest point on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart at number 25.
June 2014: "American Kids" Release
Kenny Chesney released "American Kids" in June 2014, a song penned by Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, and Shane McAnally, as the lead single for his upcoming album.
September 23, 2014: The Big Revival Release
On September 23, 2014, Kenny Chesney released "The Big Revival," his sixteenth studio album.
January 31, 2015: "Til It's Gone" Tops Charts
"Til It's Gone," the second single from "The Big Revival," topped the Country Airplay chart during the week of January 31, 2015.
March 26, 2015: The Big Revival Tour Begins
Kenny Chesney's 2015 tour, The Big Revival Tour, commenced on March 26, 2015, featuring ten shows with Jason Aldean.
June 27, 2015: "Wild Child" Tops Charts
On June 27, 2015, "Wild Child," a duet with Grace Potter from "The Big Revival," reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.
June 29, 2015: "Save It for a Rainy Day" Release
"Save It for a Rainy Day" from "The Big Revival" was released to country radio on June 29, 2015, and later topped the Country Airplay chart.
2015: Chesney Triumphs at Billboard Touring Awards Once Again
Kenny Chesney's captivating live shows earned him another victory at the Billboard Touring Awards in 2015, where he received the Top Package Tour award, demonstrating his continued ability to deliver unforgettable concert experiences.
March 2016: "Noise" Release
"Noise," a single from the upcoming album "Cosmic Hallelujah," was released in March 2016.
July 2016: "Setting the World on Fire" Release
In July 2016, Kenny Chesney released "Setting the World on Fire," a collaboration with P!NK, from the "Cosmic Hallelujah" album.
October 28, 2016: Cosmic Hallelujah Release
Kenny Chesney released "Cosmic Hallelujah" on October 28, 2016.
September 2017: Chesney Aids Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts
In September 2017, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, Kenny Chesney stepped up to help those affected. He generously provided his private jet to reunite two teenage boys stranded by the storm with their mother. He also established the Love for Love City charitable fund to support victims, donating all proceeds from his album "Songs for the Saints" to the cause.
2017: Chesney's Saint John Home Destroyed by Hurricane Irma
Kenny Chesney's house on Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands, a place he cherished after filming the music video for "How Forever Feels" there, was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
2017: Live in No Shoes Nation Release
Released in late 2017, Chesney's live album, "Live in No Shoes Nation," topped the Billboard 200 chart.
July 2018: Songs for the Saints Release
"Songs for the Saints," Kenny Chesney's debut album with Warner Records Nashville, was released in July 2018.
2018: Forbes Estimates Chesney's Annual Income
In 2018, Forbes estimated Kenny Chesney's annual income to be $37 million, highlighting his success and influence in the music industry.
2019: "Tip of My Tongue" Release
In mid-2019, Kenny Chesney released "Tip of My Tongue," the lead single from his upcoming album.
May 2020: Here and Now Release
Kenny Chesney's album "Here and Now," featuring the title track and the single "Tip of My Tongue," debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 in May 2020, becoming his 16th top 10 album with 233,000 units sold.
January 2022: Chesney Sells Franklin, Tennessee Home
In January 2022, Kenny Chesney sold his 12,600 square foot home situated on 56 acres in Franklin, Tennessee for $11.5 million, after having purchased it in 2009 for $9.2 million.