Kenny Chesney was born on March 26, 1968 in Knoxville, Tennesse. He grew up in nearby Luttrell (home of Chet Atkins). As a child he listened to both country and rock n’ roll. Surprisingly, unlike many other musicians, Chesney did not grow up thinking about music. It was not until he was attending college at East Tennessee State University that his focus zoomed into country music. While attending school, he received a guitar for a Christmas gift. Chesney practiced everyday and eventually joined a blue grass group composed of his fellow students. He then began writing his own music and playing at local Mexican restaurants to earn tips. While at school, he made a self-titled demo album. The album sold over one thousand units.

After graduation in 1991, Chesney moved to Nashville (country music’s capital). He became a regular at the honky-tonk bar, Turf, in the broken down historic district of the city. In 1992 he signed with Acuff-Rose. He then received a recording contract with Capricorn records. Chesney’s debut album, In My Wildest dreams, was released in 1993. Unfortuantely, Capricorn Records did not focus on country music much, thus, In My Wildest Dreams, received no publicity. The album did sell, however, one hundred thousand units. Chesney then went on to sign a contract with RCA’s subsidiary company, BNA. In 1995, Chesney released All I Need to Know. The single, ‘Fall In Love,” was a top ten hit. In 1996, Me and You was released. This was Chesney’s first album to go gold. The album contained the singles “When I Close My Eyes” and “Me and You.” Chesney then supported country rock legends, Alabama, on their tour of the United States. In 1997, I Will Stand, was released. The album contained Chesney’s first number one hit entitled “She’s Got It All.” I Will Stand also had the top ten single, “That’s Why I’m Here.” In 1999, Chesney released Everywhere We Go. The album sold over two million copies. The singles “You Had Me From Hello” and “How Forever Feels” were both number one hits. Both “What I Need to Do” and “She Thinks My tractors Sexy” were top ten hits.