The music business is intensely competitive. Artists are vying for their share of the listening audience, for record sales and streams, and for major industry awards. But along with the jockeying for these signs of success, there is a strong and undeniable sense of community. Singers are there for each other, in good times and bad.
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For example, Megan Moroney has opened up about her friendship with country icon Kenny Chesney, 57. His mentorship and support have been a great help in her career. Per People, the "I'm Not Pretty" singer, 28, exclaimed, "Some days, I'll just wake up and be like, 'Oh. Kenny Chesney is one of my best friends. Cool.'"
Moroney Opened for Chesney on His Tour Last Year
That was a big milestone for her. Moroney said per the outlet, "[It] was my first stadium tour, and I feel like it really changed my career." Observing him was like a master class for her. at the time, Moroney shared, "I literally watch his whole show every night— side stage— trying to learn from him. From everything he does on the stage to interacting with his fans, I'm trying to take note of every move he makes."
She proudly says he "loudly supported me." Moroney added, "He let me come do a few songs with him during his set every night and has just been a great mentor for me." In fact, Moroney was so appreciative of Chesney's help that she co-wrote a song, "You Had to Be There," to show her gratitude. It dropped this past spring.
"As someone who has everything, including a jet, what do you get him? I was like, 'It's got to be sentimental, because he will appreciate that the most.'" She continued, "I just wanted to write him that song as a gift and a 'thank you' for taking me out on tour." Moroney also said, "I'm just grateful that that song encapsulated the whole summer of last year."
She Feels That He Played a Role in Her Getting a Big Award
Moroney also is very thankful to Chesney for possibly helping steer a major award her way. Per the outlet, she believes that his advocacy was instrumental in Moroney being awarded the CMA New Artist of the Year Award last year. "I think he had a lot to do with that, just because to his industry friends, he was like, 'I believe in her. You need to listen to her songwriting.' He's just boosted me up a lot, so I wanted to make sure that that experience was written in a song forever."
