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The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney

In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26,…

On a Sunday morning in Key West, Florida, CBS news correspondent Steve Hartman reports on country music star Kenny Chesney, a man who is more than just "no shoes, no shirt, no problems." Known for his laid-back, fun-loving persona, Chesney is a country music icon who has been recognized as Entertainer of the Year four years in a row and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Born and raised in East Tennessee, Chesney credits his success to his shift towards a more tropical, beach-themed career. He once met a self-proclaimed pirate in Key West, who invited him to a local restaurant to meet a friend. Chesney, known for his casual style, is not a superstar but rather a local who knows everyone.

Chesney has collected characters like seashells and met famous writers like Ernest Hemingway. He spent almost two weeks reading Hemingway's books in the very room where the writer crafted classics like "To Have and Have Not" and "Green Hills of Africa." It was during this time that Chesney reflected on his own drifting away from his East Tennessee roots.

Desiring to reconnect with his roots, Chesney found solace in football, which he grew up playing. This newfound enthusiasm led him to produce a documentary for ESPN titled "The Boys of Fall," exploring the teamwork and camaraderie in sports. He also began interviewing coaches and players, transforming his insights into a new chapter of his career.

In Las Vegas, Chesney continues to captivate audiences with his energetic performances, combining sand, sunsets, and songs. Offstage, he is a more thoughtful, introspective, and even a bit shy person, a reflection of his East Tennessee roots.

Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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