Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kenny Chesney

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kenny Chesney
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Kenny Chesney has been a staple name in country music for several years now. From his countless hit songs, and awards to his sold-out tours and the loyal fans he named No Shoe Nation, he is well on his way to going down in history as one of the best in his genre.  

That said, it’s easy to think that you already know all about him—and you probably do—especially if you’re an avid member of the No Shoe Nation. 

But in case you’re still curious anyway, here are 10 things you might not know about the country superstar, Kenny Chesney. 

1. He showers three times a day but doesn’t use soap.

Despite constantly being on the road performing on tours, Kenny Chesney prides himself on being clean. He told People that he takes three showers a day because he hates feeling sticky. But interestingly, he also pointed out that he doesn’t use soap, opting instead for body wash. As he said, he prefers to use body wash because using soap freaks him out. 

2. His music was first rejected by a girl. 

Kenny Chesney wrote his first song for a girl in hopes of being with her. But it didn’t turn out as well as he had hoped because instead of getting a girlfriend, he and his music got their first rejection. He also said in TODAY that rejection is what every songwriter and entertainer feel when trying to get a break in the business. 

3. He likes to bite his nails.

A lot of parents often have a hard time stopping their kids from constantly biting their nails. And no one can blame them because nail-biting can be a really difficult habit to break. As it turns out, Kenny Chesney is also a victim of this addictive habit. According to him, he has been biting his nails ever since he was a kid and has since tried to stop, with no such luck. 

4. He wrote a song after his favorite sandwich.

RELATED: Kenny Chesney’s Gay Rumors: Is There Truth To Them?

Fans know that Chesney’s favorite sandwich is grilled cheese—not those fancy ones with extra ingredients, but just plain old grilled cheese with extra salt. However, did you know that he actually wrote a song after it? That’s right. He said it was called “Red Wine and Grilled Cheese,” and even went on to say he might put it on record one day.

5. He hires people by asking about their families. 

When asked in an interview what he usually asks when hiring people, Chesney answered with, “I would like to know how close they are with their family.” He stressed the significance of having support around his employees, given the heavy demands of the road. He wants to know if the applicant can “roll with the flow,” and if their families can too. 

6. He called his first guitar “The Terminator.” 

RELATED: 60 Legendary Male Country Singers of All Time, A to Z

He did. When the gift he received for one Christmas was a guitar, Chesney decided to call it “The Terminator.” He then started learning how to play it by teaching himself. It turns out his career choice was already set from a young age. 

7. He has an advertising degree. 

Most would think that with six Academy of Country Music awards, 31 number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs, and 9 awards from the CMA (Country Music Association), Kenny Chesney would’ve graduated with a degree related to music, right? But no, that is not the case for this country music artist. 

Chesney majored in advertising at East Tennessee State University and graduated in 1990, but quickly after he got his advertising degree, he moved to Nashville for his music career. 

8. He has a middle name, and it’s Arnold.

As far as stage names are concerned, most artists stick to a first and a last name, or even just a single name. So, it’s not a surprise that not many fans know Chesney’s middle name, or even that he has one. But a quick search will reveal that Kenny Chesney does indeed have a middle name, and it’s Arnold. So, that makes his full name, Kenneth Arnold Chesney. 

9. He was almost a victim of the 9/11 attack. 

Chesney and his crew were set to shoot a video for “The Tin Man” on September 11, 2001, just one block away from the World Trade Center. But weeks before, the shoot was canceled. When the news of the attacks came up, Chesney believed guardian angels were watching over him. 

10. He is also a film director. 

Chesney is not only well versed in music. His talents and skills also extend to film, as was shown when he co-directed and produced an hour-long documentary film entitled “The Boys of Fall” for ESPN back in 2010. The documentary portrayed the narrative of life through the eyes of football. 

Latest Stories

Mary MacGregor performs "Torn Between Two Lovers" live in the 1970s, holding a microphone with a soft, emotional expression that captures the song’s quiet heartbreak.

“Torn Between Two Lovers” Might Be the Most Soft-Spoken Cheating Song Country Music Ever Adopted

In a decade full of outlaw anthems, trucking songs, and Conway Twitty slow burns, nobody saw this one coming. Released at the tail end of 1976, “Torn Between Two Lovers” ...

WWII Marine Corps veteran Don Graves, age 100, sits in a Nashville recording studio wearing a military hat and red shirt, having just signed his first country music record deal.

This WWII Veteran Just Signed His First Country Record Deal at 100 Years Old

There are country songs, and then there are country lives. Don Graves didn’t just live through one of the bloodiest battles in American history. He came home, built a life, ...

Split image of Toby Keith and Blake Shelton performing with guitars; highlights the backstory of how Shelton’s label passed on “I Wanna Talk About Me,” which became a massive hit for Keith.

Blake Shelton’s Label Rejected “I Wanna Talk About Me” and Toby Keith Turned It Into a Monster Hit

Every artist’s got one: the song that got away. For Blake Shelton, it just happens to be one of Toby Keith’s biggest bangers. Blake recently dropped by The Tonight Show ...

Split image of Zach Bryan performing live on stage with guitar and John Moreland playing guitar in a studio; reflects their public feud following a canceled collaboration.

Folk Musician John Moreland Says Zach Bryan Was Rude, a D*head, and Not Who You Think

Well, the gloves are off in Oklahoma. What started as a cryptic shot from Americana singer-songwriter John Moreland has now turned into a full-blown fallout with country megastar Zach Bryan, ...

Carrie Underwood appears as a judge on American Idol, amid speculation she may not return next season—not because of backlash, but because she knows she belongs on the stage, not behind the desk.

American Idol Was Renewed but Carrie Underwood Might Not Return for the Right Reasons

Carrie Underwood isn’t the problem with American Idol. In fact, she may have been the best thing that happened to the show this season. But if the rumors are true ...

Garth Brooks' Mississippi lawsuit was dismissed but the California case continues.

Garth Brooks’ Mississippi Lawsuit Is Over, But the California Case Is Just Getting Started

A Mississippi judge has dismissed Garth Brooks’ lawsuit against his former hairdresser as “moot,” ending one chapter of an ongoing legal battle. But don’t let that ruling fool you. The ...

George Strait, seen performing with his signature black cowboy hat and guitar, recently revealed he may only have five years left on the road

George Strait Says He Has “Maybe Five Good Years” Left to Tour and That Sound You Hear Is a Million Hearts Breaking

You never want to imagine a world where George Strait isn’t somewhere on a stage, guitar slung over his shoulder, letting the steel ring through the rafters while the crowd ...

Carrie Underwood speaks passionately as a guest judge on American Idol, wearing a floral purple outfit, while fans react online to her controversial critique.

Carrie Underwood Faces Idol Backlash After Fans Call Her Critique Rude and Unfair

Carrie Underwood knows a thing or two about American Idol pressure, but some viewers think she brought the wrong kind of heat this week. After Sunday and Monday’s Top 5 ...

Vince Gill smiles while playing guitar onstage at the Grand Ole Opry as his granddaughter Everly and daughter Jenny Gill join him, creating a touching three-generation family moment.

Vince Gill’s Granddaughter Everly Steals the Show with Surprise Grand Ole Opry Debut

There’s legacy, and then there’s bloodline. And when you’re Vince Gill’s granddaughter, stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage isn’t just a “moment”, it’s a birthright. On Saturday, May 3, ...

George Strait pays tribute to Johnny Rodriguez following the late singer’s passing.

George Strait Honors Late Country Legend Johnny Rodriguez With a Heartfelt Tribute

Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, one of the genre’s most groundbreaking voices and its first major Mexican American star, died Friday, May 9, in San Antonio at 73. His daughter, ...