Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney starts Spread The Love Fund

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:28:50 +0000

Boston: Like so many, Kenny Chesney watched the bombings at the Boston Marathon in incredulity and horror. The idea that people who’d trained so hard, who’d improved and become better runners for the iconic race – and those who’d turned out to cheer them on – would be injured was unthinkable. Like so many, he didn’t know what to do; like so many people, he wanted to make a difference.

After careful consideration, Chesney reached out to WKLB-FM and explained his desire to help fund and support prosthetics for the people who were having or would ultimately need amputations. Saddened by the state of the world, he wanted to sow healing for the nation’s souls, as well as the broken bodies of the people affected.

Beyond making a sizeable donation for seed money, Chesney decided to put his music where his heart was. He’s establishing the Spread the Love Fund to work with Boston Medical Center (BMC) to help pay for not just prosthetics, but the fitting, ongoing care and physical therapy required.

All Chesney’s proceeds from the downloaded single sales of “Spread The Love,” his track co-written and recorded with the Wailers, go to the fund, which will benefit post-acute care for victims of traumatic injuries from the Boston Marathon bombings at BMC or other Boston hospitals. In addition, people are encouraged to donate what they can, knowing the money will help the injured regain as much mobility as possible.

Kenny said:

“It’s hard to imagine a world where taking your children to school, going to the movies or witnessing something as iconic as the Boston Marathon is a dangerous thing to do. For me, I want to help give these people as much of their lives back as possible, but I’d also like to counteract some of the negativity in the world… Remind people that there are more good people out there, and it’s up to us to ‘Spread the Love.’
Music can be healing. When you’re at your lowest, it can inspire… The way these athletes, their friends, family and the city of Boston inspire me! I want to give back to the ones who need it, but also to heal all of us a little bit. So, spread the love.”

“I am honored that Mr. Chesney has selected Boston Medical Center as the home of the Spread the Love Fund,” says Kate Walsh, President and CEO of Boston Medical Center. “BMC cared for many of the patients most seriously injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, patients who have a long journey of recovery ahead. Over time, the spotlight will fade, but their needs will go on.

“We thank Mr. Chesney for stepping forward to make sure these and all the Marathon patients have all the support they need over the long haul,” Walsh continues. “Thank you for embracing Boston, these patients and their families, and everyone who has gotten us through this very challenging time. Your generosity, vision and support will keep us Boston Strong.”

Beyond downloading “Spread the Love”, giving to those in need is as simple as a click. Boston Medical Center has established a dedicated link for the Spread the Love Fund, which can be accessed here: www.bmc.org/kenny.

Kenny also said:

“I can’t change what happened. I can’t imagine how the families, as well the city of Boston, feel – and I want to do what I can. If we can all remember that the negativity only wins if we let it, that’s a good start. That, and helping these families with this huge process of dealing with a prosthetic. Hopefully, we can all come together and make a difference.”

CMT to celebrate Willie Nelson’s 80th birthday

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:48:24 +0000

Here’s one special you won’t want to miss. CMT is planning on celebrating country icon Willie Nelson‘s 80th birthday with a very special taping of “CMT Crossroads: Willie Nelson & Friends From Third Man Records.”Announced to be part of the big birthday celebration will be performers Ashley Monroe, Jamey Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Neil Young, and Leon Russell. The episode will air in May, but we don’t have an exact date yet.

Fans are also asked to take part in Willie’s 80th birthday celebrations by visiting birthday.willienelson.com/ and submitting a video talking about why you’re a fan of the country legend. The birthday submissions are being put together by Farm Aid,who is gathering up good wishes for Willie Nelson from America’s family farmers, and artists. They’ll round up your funniest, most heartwarming testimonials to make a video for Willie on his big day on April 30, 2013.

One of the artists helping to celebrate with a video message is Kenny Chesney. Check out his special birthday message for the icon:

ACM Poll: Vocal Event of the Year

Jeanna D. — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:41:36 +0000

Next up… “Vocal Event of the Year”! Who doesn’t love a good country collab?

Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson took this award home last year for their cross-over mega-hit, “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Both are back in the category again this year, except with brand new and separate collaborations!

Who will win? Don’t Rush – Kelly Clarkson Featuring Vince Gill; Easy – Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield; Feel Like A Rock Star – Kenny Chesney (Duet With Tim McGraw); Let It Rain – David Nail Featuring Sarah Buxton; or The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean With Luke Bryan & Eric Church?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Kenny Chesney to perform in NYC for Sirius/XM

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:49:18 +0000

Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville superstar Kenny Chesney will be performing a private show for Sirius/XM radio listeners in New York City. The concert, which will take place at the Highline Ballroom, is invitation-only, on May 1st, however the show will be broadcast live on Sirius/XM’s Highway 59 on Saturday, May 4th at 8 pm EST.

It’s a pretty big show for the company, who shares:

“As part of our unmatched offering of Country music, Kenny Chesney will give our subscribers a special performance,” said SIRIUSXM President/Chief Content Officer, Scott Greenstein. “Kenny is often playing stadiums and arenas, but for SIRIUSXM he’ll be doing a special intimate performance for a few hundred lucky subscribers who can see him perform live at the Highline Ballroom. Our national audience of subscribers will be able to hear the concert on SIRIUSXM, an unwavering supporter of all kinds of Country music. This special concert is another example of what we like to bring our listeners: the best Country music they can’t find anywhere else.”

SIRIUSXM subscribers will have the opportunity to win tickets to the event through an online contest, starting today. For info and rules visit siriusxm.com/thehighway. You can also win your way to the show by following The Highway’s Twitter account – @SXMTheHighway. Good luck!

Kacey Musgraves’ Album “Same Trailer Different Park” Out Now

Jeanna D. — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:17:53 +0000

Kacey Musgraves.

You have probably been hearing this name more and more frequently, and I have a feeling you will continue to hear it for a long time.

The Nashville singer-songwriter made her major record label debut yesterday with her album, Same Trailer Different Park. By the way, that might be one of my favorite album titles in recent memory.

Musgraves co-produced the album with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, and co-wrote all 12 tracks. The lead single off of the album, “Merry Go ‘Round,” was recently certified gold by the RIAA for 500k downloads.

Musgraves is definitely a stand-out when it comes to songwriting. The former Nashville Star contestant has written a couple of other songs you already know. She co-penned Miranda Lambert‘s current sassy single, “Mama’s Broken Heart.” She also co-wrote the emotional track, “Undermine,” which was one of the songs featured on ABC‘s TV hit show, Nashville.

The 2013 ACM nominated singer is not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to her music, and her lyrics are as honest and real as they get. On top of that, her voice is just as genuine and honest as her songwriting which makes for the perfect mix. The highly anticipated album from the 24-year-old definitely did not disappoint. Go grab your copy from iTunes!

Continue reading for links and to watch a video of “Undermine”….

Musgraves is currently on the road with Kenny Chesney on the No Shoes Nation Stadium Tour. For info & tickets, check out: www.kaceymusgraves.com.

Stop by NPR to get a first listen of the album: http://www.npr.org/2013/03/10/173745915/first-listen-kacey-musgraves-same-trailer-different-park.

And watch this video of Musgraves singing one of my favorite songs this year, “Undermine,” with co-writer Trent Dabbs:

Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood & More Added to ACM Awards Performers

Nicole Piering — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:31:13 +0000

The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards announced today that superstars Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town will perform on the April 7th show.

Airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS, the show will be hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, who have become affectionately referred to as “Bluke” on Twitter.

The above artists join an already star-studded show that features performances by Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, George Strait and the Band Perry.

Country Music Hits the Sands of Sunny South Florida

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:49:21 +0000

When you think country music, you typically envision open fields, farms, little green tractors, cowboy boots, and ten-gallon hats. When you think Kenny Chesney, you think all of those things – plus a little blue chair. Now take all of those things and add in the warm, beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a great cause and you have the incredibly exciting inaugural Tortuga Music Festival!

Kenny Chesney, along with pop, rock, and other country artists (20+ artists, mind you) you will be participating in Rock the Ocean’s first ever beach concert event on April 13-14. The artists will perform on three stages, each of which is directly on the beach. The lineup includes Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, The Avett Brothers, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Gary Allan, Jake Owen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Clark, Jr., Eli Young Band, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Grace Potter, Kip Moore, Gloriana, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, Mac McAnally, The Wailers, Sister Hazel, Dangermuffin, Rayland Baxter, and The Bright Light Social Hour.

The Landshark Lager sponsored event was created by the Rock the Ocean Foundation, a foundation dedicated to supporting scientific research, education and increasing public awareness about the issues that impact the world’s oceans, and HUKA Entertainment. Additionally, Rock the Ocean and HUKA Entertainment teamed up with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, an organization which advocates for sustainable fishing practices, funds inspired scientific research and supports innovative educational programs. During the event, there will be a conservation village designed to educate festival goers about different issues affecting the oceans including participation by organizations such as The Guy Harvey Foundation, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, the National Coral Reef Institute, & Ocean Conservancy – among many others. There will also be workshops on sustainable seafood with a tent designated to showing attendees how to cook wonderful dishes by using ocean friendly practices – and showcasing some of the best chefs in Florida. Additionally, artists will be accompanying the University of Miami’s Marine Biology program on shark tagging trips.

It isn’t too late to purchase your tickets for this two-day event like no other! Visit www.tortugamusicalfestival.com now to grab yours before the festival sells out!

Kenny Chesney shares details on new album

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:41:42 +0000

With “Pirate Flag” beaming out at the stroke of midnight, Kenny Chesney figured the time was right to release the title of his much anticipated April 30 Blue Chair/Columbia release. “Life On A Rock,” co-produced with longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon, captures the thematic core of the 10 song set that’s been recorded and mixed in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Jamaica, Key West, London and Nashville, Tennessee.

Kenny says about the title:

“It all depends on what kind of rock you’re looking at. Just living here on this planet, we’re all living life on a rock; but for me, and for this record, it’s about the way life is when you live on an island. Everywhere you go, there’s everyone you know; you know everything about them, and they know everything about you… and well, that’s just a whole other way to be.

“And coming from Luttrell, Tennessee, I can tell you, ‘life on a rock’ isn’t all that different from life in a real small town. It’s slower, it’s easier, it’s more invested and it’s also more about really enjoying the moments as they are, when they are.”

While the driving “Pirate Flag,” an anthem of rebelling against the day-in, day-out, has already been singled out by USA Today as their Song of the Week atop their Grammy-based Listen Up! column, Life On A Rock is a varied platter of music, ranging from introspective ballads to staccato shuffles, a duet with Willie Nelson and a bit of reggae. It also celebrates a way of life most people live without ever realizing.

“At the end of the day, what defines life for most people, certainly for me, are the people you share it with. When you live in close proximity, you share the highs and lows of every day life and become close in ways you can’t even explain. Years go by… People move on… But that time, those friends remain with you no matter where you go. That’s where the treasures of being alive are found.

“When I first went to the islands, I met a lot of people who were making a life beyond anything any of them knew… They were boatmen, bartenders, waitresses, real estate folks. They were all loving life, living a dream and coloring outside the lines with this real sense of freedom; they took a country singer from East Tennessee into their tribe at a time when having friends outside everything I knew was important. Time passes, life moves on, but those friends lasted, and this album in a lot of ways is about the power of that kind of friendship to endure.”

Endurance is something Chesney understands. Kicking off his No Shoes Nation Tour March 16 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the 8-time Entertainer of the Year will bring summer alive for fans across 46 concerts at a mix of football stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters. Life On A Rock, indeed.

Kenny Chesney releasing new album April 30th!

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:40:12 +0000

Country’s touring king Kenny Chesney will add a new album to his impressive discography with the release of his yet untitled, new album on Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville Records label on April 30. About the new record, Kenny shares:

“It’s gonna be an amazing summer and I’m really excited to bring some new music to No Shoes Nation.”

With preparation well under way for the kick off of his ’No Shoes Nation’ Tour on March 16 in Tampa, Fl, Chesney and NSN will celebrate a summer of music, friends and good times.

“The fans are the foundation of ‘No Shoes Nation. They built it from the ground up, and they built it with heart, passion and the love of life and music, and I can’t wait to feel that connection again throughout the summer of 2013.”

What title would you pick for Kenny’s latest album? Are you excited?

Kenny Chesney Honors Victims in Newtown

Jennifer Swirsky — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:56:03 +0000

On the one month anniversary of one of the largest mass killings in United States history, Anderson Cooper will be hosting a special AC360 in Newtown, Connecticut, entitled “United in Newtown”. During the special, Anderson Cooper will visit with families of Newtown and honor those whose lives were lost. As a tribute to those who lost their lives on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, country megastar, Kenny Chesney, recorded a special version of “Amazing Grace,” which will premier during AC360. “United in Newtown” will air on CNN tomorrow, January 14th, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Newtown community as they unite to work through this terribly senseless tragedy.