Kenny Chesney Honors The Late Brett James In Performance At CMAs

His Performance Comes Shortly After His Induction Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame

One month ago, country star Kenny Chesney received his medallion as he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

At 57 years old, he’s opening up about life, with the release of his memoir, titled Heart Life Music, coming earlier this month.

He began recording music in 1994, releasing his debut album that year. Five years later, he was nominated for his first CMA Award, the 1999 award for New Artist of the Year (dubbed the “Horizon Award” at the time).

Since then, he went on to win Entertainer of the Year in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008, and has also won awards such as Music Event of the Year in 2012 for his collaboration with Tim McGraw, “Feel Like A Rock Star;” as well as the CMA Pinnacle Award in 2016.

Introduced by Lainey Wilson, who hosted the 59th CMA Awards, she said, “You better get up on your feet! It’s Kenny Chesney!”

Taking the stage at the 59th CMA Awards on November 19, he gave a special performance in recognition of his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Looking back, Kenny kicked his set off with a performance of “American Kids,” with 8mm footage of teenagers riding through America projected behind him. This song was from his 2014 album The Big Revival.

Ditching his guitar, Kenny then led the crowd, with some serious pep in his step, to his 2004 hit “When The Sun Goes Down,” which is the title track for the album he won the CMA Award for Album of the Year for.

On screen, there was a dedication to the late Brett James, who penned the song “When The Sun Goes Down,” and Kenny exclaimed, “Thank you so much, Brett James. We love you!”

Brett James was killed in a plane crash at the age of 57 earlier this year on September 18.

Revisit the music video for “When The Sun Goes Down,” here:

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