Bobby Bones sat down with country superstar Kenny Chesney, and the conversation spanned everything from football memories to writing his new book, Heart, Life, and Music.
Bobby started by admitting one big regret: not going to Kenny’s shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Kenny laughed, understanding the hesitation, but assured Bobby it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “It was unlike anything we’ve ever done,” he said. “To be up there in that space, seeing people experience the music in a completely new way—it was unbelievable.” Even Kenny admitted he got caught up in the visuals. “We’re on stage watching the show too,” he laughed. “I forgot the second verse of one of my songs because I was so distracted.”
The two talked about how Kenny’s book dives into his childhood in East Tennessee and how his love for music and football were shaped. Bobby, being from Arkansas, related immediately. Neither had professional sports growing up, so college football was everything. For Kenny, that meant Tennessee football and legendary broadcaster John Ward on the radio. “When I first walked into the stadium with my dad,” Kenny said, “it was the most unbelievable experience of my life. I can still remember the smell. Core memory for sure.”
Kenny also shared how the book brought back memories he hadn’t thought about in years. “I realized how many people have been part of my journey,” he said. “Writing it made me want to honor them—and all the little things that led me here.” One of those early moments? Seeing the band Alabama perform near his hometown. “It changed everything for me,” Kenny said. “They were the Beatles to us. They sang songs about our lives.” Later, he’d tour with Alabama—and even work with their manager, the same man who managed them that night years before. He also recalled a funny full-circle moment when Coach Bobby Bowden at Florida State invited him to “participate” in spring practice after Kenny joked about joining the team. “Coach Bowden got on the bullhorn and told everyone, ‘Don’t hit Chesney!’” Kenny laughed. “Thank God, because those guys would’ve killed me.”
When Bobby asked about the beach inspiration behind so much of his music, Kenny explained it wasn’t about palm trees, it was about peace. “I feel creative by the ocean. Humbled, too. That’s where I go to write.” And though some people in Nashville once questioned the beach-country mix, Kenny said it all came down to living authentically. “Once I stopped trying to fit a model and just lived from my heart, that’s when my life really changed.” They also touched on his duet with Grace Potter, “You and Tequila,” which Bobby called one of his favorite songs ever. Kenny told the story of hearing Grace’s voice for the first time and knowing instantly she was the one to sing it with him. “She heard the track on her way home from Europe and said, ‘I’m in.’ We recorded it on my birthday, and from that night on, we’ve been life friends.”
Writing the audiobook version of Heart, Life, and Music wasn’t as magical, though. Kenny said it was “one of the most unpleasant things I’ve ever done.” Reading every word out loud while someone stopped him for small corrections? “It took me a month,” he said. “But I knew people wanted to hear it in my voice.” In the end, Kenny said the book is about gratitude: for the music, the people, and the journey. “I wanted to honor everyone who’s been part of this,” he said. “From George Jones to Joe Walsh to my fans. So many of my heroes became my friends. I never saw that coming.”
Before wrapping up, Bobby asked what song makes fans go the craziest when those first few notes hit. Kenny didn’t hesitate. “‘American Kids.’ The crowd just explodes,” he said. “We don’t even say anything. Just ‘cha-cha,’ and they take it from there.”