Traditional Singer Draws From Many Musical Influences

Kenny Chesney, a young country singer for whom many predict greatness, will appear Sunday evening at Rodeo’s in the Valley.

Chesney’s breakthrough BNA record, “All I Need to Know,” produced two top five hits last year, the title track and “Don’t That Make You Want to Fall in Love.”

Aside from touring the country as an opening act for Alabama during much of last year and the first part of this one, Chesney hasn’t been exposed yet to most of the country’s country-music fans.

But those who have seen him say he’s a good one. Though he’s widely touted as a true country musician, he’s not afraid of the association with country-rocker Hank Williams Jr., whose music he covered when he began singing professionally in the late ‘80s, and he has been known to cover the Rolling Stones during his encores.

Kentucky-born and -bred, Chesney is touring behind a new LP, “Me and You,” which has spawned the singles “Back In My Arms” and “Me and You,” the current single.

He says his traditional influences include George Jones, Merle Haggard and George Strait, but he also counts Phil Collins and Huey Lewis among his favorite singers.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

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