Kenny Chesney Is "Living In Fast-Forward"
Kenny Chesney's life is true to his hit single "Living in Fast-Forward" as he seems to be in perpetual motion. The back-to-back winner of Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year was just nominated for the third time.
Chesney, who was also nominated for male vocalist of the year, sold more tickets in North America than any other artist, regardless of genre, for his "Road & Radio Tour" in 2006.
The Tennessee native sold out Boston and Philadelphia — not considered bastions of country music — in 15 minutes. He played in huge NFL stadiums such as Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and said it's a double thrill because not only is he dancing and singing on top of the field where great athletes play, he is working a crowd of 60,000.
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"It took me some time to learn how to do that because you've got to work extra hard and be very mentally prepared and focused to be able to touch the people that, you know, are on the very back of that football stadium just like the people up front," he told The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. "It takes a little bit more focus and effort because the stage is so huge, and I run around stage — I can't sit still. Ever since I've been a kid when I heard music, I move. I can't help it. When you're on a stage that big, it's — it takes a lot out of you."
Chesney is now preparing for a major summer tour called "Flip Flop" and he has already sold out all the major stadiums in cities like Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit. But this past year, Chesney added more depth to his recording career by producing an album for Willie Nelson.
"I think every musician and songwriter and artist gets to that point in their life where they need some inspiration," Chesney said. "Right when I needed it the most, God gave me Willie Nelson. It was a — really an honor and a pleasure to be responsible for the music that that guy made. You know, it's really neat."
The album features some of the biggest names in songwriting such as Kris Kristofferson Dave Matthews and Jimmy Buffett. It's just another feather in the cap of the reigning entertainer of the year, who is again in the vying for the honor. Chesney said being nominated reflects not just his popularity, but a lot of peoples' contributions to his career.
"It's a reflection of a lot of things," he said, "you know, a lot of hard work and sacrifice and compassion and commitment."