Kenny Chesney and his fans are feasting upon some fantastic, career-defining milestones. One was his landmark induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, alongside other outstanding icons of the genre. Another comes next week, with the publication of Chesney's much-anticipated memoir, Heart Life Music, on Tuesday, November 4. Per People, he recently shared special reminiscences of someone very dear to him - Jimmy Buffett. The music man from Margaritaville was a buddy, collaborator, and mentor whom Chesney has never forgotten. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 76.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Chesney wistfully mused, "He taught me it was possible to paint pictures with words."
Chesney Was Inspired the First Time He Saw Jimmy Buffett in Concert
Per the outlet, the singer recalled seeing Jimmy Buffett on stage years back. It electrified him. He said, "When I went to my first Jimmy Buffett show, I had just moved to Nashville, and I had no money. It was pouring rain, and I was up in the grass [at Starwood Amphitheater] where you go when you can't afford a real seat. But that night changed my life because I'd never seen anything like it, for someone to give so much love from the stage and connect with an audience like that. I was lying in bed at night going, 'Wow, I can't believe what I just saw.'"
Chesney continued, "And then you fast-forward, and it's surreal that you become friends with that person and collaborate with that person in the studio and have that person just really inspire you. And that's what Jimmy was for me. You have people that create space for you to do your own thing, and Jimmy was one of those people."
The Two Forged a Lasting Bond
Per the outlet, they joined forces seven years ago for "a newer version" of a song called "Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season." It appeared on Chesney's Songs for the Saints LP. In 2004, they did a duet on "License to Chill" on Buffett's album of the same name.
After Buffett's death, Chesney honored him at two prestigious events - the CMA Awards in 2023, and at his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction the next year.
