Kenny Chesney Parts Ways With Longtime Label, Signs With Warner Music

No word yet on the Tennessee native's plans for upcoming music.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Kenny Chesney Parts Ways With Longtime Label, Signs With Warner Music
Kenny Chesney; Photo by Allister Ann

After more than 20 years together, Kenny Chesney and his longtime label have parted ways. Announced by Country Aircheck, the country superstar reportedly left his home of Columbia, an imprint of Sony Music Nashville, and resigned with Warner Music Nashville.

The “All The Pretty Girls” singer signed his first record deal with Capricorn, an Atlanta-based label, before the label closed and he moved to BNA Records in 1995. With BNA, he released many of his wildly-known hits, from “She’s Got It All” to “The Good Stuff,” to “Feel Like A Rock Star” with Tim McGraw. In 2012, BNA closed and he moved to Columbia Records, where he released Life on a Rock, The Big Revival and Cosmic Hallulujah.

Chesney released his final project under Sony in 2016 with Cosmic Hallelujah. No word yet on the Tennessee native’s plans for upcoming music.

Fans can catch the superstar when he embarks on his highly-anticipated Trip Around the Sun Tour. Kicking off April 21 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the 2018 trek will have Chesney visiting 18 stadiums across the United States, with special guests Thomas RhettOld Dominion, and newcomer Brandon Lay.

“There’s nothing like a stadium full of people coming together to remind you what life’s about,” said Chesney previously. “The energy, the moments, the fun. Every single one of these artists who’re coming out with us for Trip Around the Sun live their lives the exact same way: they work hard, they appreciate what they’re given and they love music every bit as much as they love life. I, personally, can’t wait to see this show hit the road.”

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.

*Sounds Like Nashville has reached out to a representative of Kenny Chesney and has not heard back as of press time.

UPDATE: 11:56 a.m. – January 17

A representative for Chesney confirmed the news of the superstar’s new signing. A press release was also sent out revealing that Chesney’s next project will be release via the Blue Chair Records/Warner Bros. Records label.

“It is a big deal to change labels,” said the singer in a press release. “But when you hear Max, Espo, and Cris Lacy talk about music, about what it means and does, when you hear that passion, you can’t help but get fired up. To me, music is only complete when it gets to the fans and becomes part of their lives. The people at Warner understand my commitment to that idea, and they’re just as committed to those ideals as I am.”

“Kenny Chesney embodies the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and expression,” added WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito. “An unapologetic free spirit, he has built a career on perseverance, drive, innovation, and most especially, great songs. Everything he does is inspired. It is with deep respect and honor that we welcome Kenny to Warner Music Nashville. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him and his team.”