Kenny Chesney Reacts to Earning 31st No. 1 Single, With ‘Here and Now’

Kenny Chesney has just racked up his 31st No. 1 single, this time for “Here and Now.” The song is the title track from his latest album.

“What you put out first says everything about what your record is,” Kenny said in a statement. “Maybe it’s old school, but I like the idea that we’re setting not just a moment, but a way of approaching life that reflects the spirit of No Shoes Nation. I am always amazed and rocked by how they face life. They really know how to grab the moment and make the most of whatever it might be.”

Kenny’s latest achievement makes him the artist with the most chart-topping singles at Billboard — not that setting new records is ever his goal.

“I don’t think you cut songs to set records, but I can say it feels amazing to know other people feel what you’re trying to put into the world, “Kenny acknowledged. “When we recorded ‘Here And Now,’ it was this awesome rush that captured the peak moments, finding them in your day, creating them and not just waiting around for them to happen. It was the perfect song as we were all getting ready for another summer of shows. But now, in some ways, this song is even more in the moment because we all have to remember to find joy.”

Here and Now also became Kenny’s ninth No. 1 record, which the singer says is a testament to his No Shoes Nation fan club more than anything else.

“It’s not about the numbers or the stats,” Kenny said of the accomplishment. “It’s about No Shoes Nation. Even as times change, they want the music –– and I want to get it to them however we can. There was talk of delaying the album release, but with everything else in the world being so unknown, I felt strongly about getting Here And Now to the people in No Shoes Nation. If there’s one thing that holds us all together, it’s the songs – and I had songs on this record I knew they’d take to heart. To me, that’s why we do this.”

Kenny recently announced he was postponing his Chillaxification Tour until 2021, due to COVID-19.

“I kept talking to experts, city officials, team owners, medical people, looking to understand how we were coming along with resolving the health issues,” Kenny said of the decision. “I had kept hoping that as time passed, information would not only increase, but there would be some sort of solution so people could come back together. But things weren’t getting any clearer, so I did the hardest thing for me, but obviously best option for the safety of No Shoes Nation, my road family and everyone at the buildings involved.”

Here and Now is available to purchase, download or stream at Amazon.