February 11, 2009 2:38 PM

Kenny Chesney On What Makes Him Happy

By
CBSNews
(CBS)  Kenny Chesney has become the undisputed king of summer.

His "Poets And Pirates" tour has been drawing huge sellout crowds (he recently played at LP field in Nashville in front of more than 40,000 fans) and sales of his most recent CD, "Just Who I Am: Poets And Pirates" are still going strong.

The album's latest single, "Better As A Memory," recently hit No. 1 on the country charts. That gives him three number ones from his current album and 14 for his career.

He's taking a few days off from his tour to attend Tuesday's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium (he's a huge sports fan) and he stopped by The Early Show to talk about his summer tour and plans for the future. Chesney also brought 90 copies of his latest album "Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates" to hand out to Plaza crowd.

Photos: Kenny Chesney
Chesney said that for his fans, his show is more than just a concert.

"I've had people tell me all year they look at our show as an event, as something to forget about gas prices, something to forget about what's going on in that area of their life," he told weather anchor and features reporter Dave Price. "That's a huge compliment to me."

It isn't easy to reach every person in a crowd of 40,000. Chesney said that it's a challenge, but he has a method he uses in large venues.

"Every night before I go on stage I go up to the very top of the stadium, sit completely by myself, look at the stage, look at how far I have to mentally go to reach the person standing right there in the back row."

The 40-year-old musician began his recording career in the mid-1990s, earning his first platinum album for 1997's "I Will Stand."

He's been playing stadium shows for years now, but sees no signs of slowing down.

"I think as a performer, you know, as in anything, I think the more you do it the better you get," he said. "The guys in the band - my main guys - have been with me for 12 years. As a unit we're pretty in tune with what everybody is doing up there."

For Chesney, his time on stage is his favorite time of all.

"I'm not burned out on the music," he said. "I'm burned out on everything that comes around it. The two hours that we get to go on stage and play, is the happiest I ever am."

Chesney, along with Bon Jovi and Eric Clapton, are part of a MasterCard promotion that gives fans a chance to join them on tour. Click here to find out more.

Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved.
Add a Comment
by jenreiman July 17, 2008 5:08 PM EDT
My first Kenny Chesney concert was in Nashville this year and it was every bit the amazing day that I expected. He has done an amazing job of putting together talented artists to start the show and pours his heart into every word he sings, making two hours seem like 15 minutes. It was amazing how the songs take you back in time and bring so many memories as you hear the music live. I think it is wonderful that a guy so talented continues to share his gift and love of music tirelessly year after year. I hope he continues as long as the passion moves him to take experiences we have all had and turn them into songs we all love.
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by pamikay-2009 July 17, 2008 6:09 AM EDT
Kenny Chesney is by far one of the hardest working musicans out there! He has a true Love for what he does, and every ounce of him wants to share all that he is and does with his fans!
hes such a sensative and caring guy. Truely, down to earth,laid back kind af guy, that everyone who listens to his songs can relate to. His Tours are the Best you''ll ever attend, thats, because Kenny and his band are doing what they love and it shows every time they walk on stage... sharing all their talent, and love for their Music with ther fans.. The Energy that comes from the Guys and Kenny spreads through out all and any venue that they perform at.Super guy!!Great Tour! every year!
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by savsleplady July 15, 2008 10:10 PM EDT
Apparently over a million people do, as he has that many at his concerts each year. If you don''t care, then don''t read the article, those of us that enjoy country music can appreciate Kenny. He puts on a great show.
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