Kenny Chesney is a legend himself. He has earned towering stature in the country music genre. As he describes in his book, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC, he co-produced another country music legend's 2008 album - Moment of Forever by Willie Nelson. Chesney shouldered the task alongside his frequent collaborator, Buddy Cannon. He looked back on the experience with gratitude and wonder.
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And the album that emerged? Kenny Chesney also sums it up as, "Good writers, classic songs, a little tongue-in-cheek vintage Willie." Sounds like a success!
Chesney Felt That He and Cannon Were a Good Fit for the Role
In his book, Chesney chronicles how the co-producing gig for Nelson came about. It was an honor to be tapped to work with Nelson, one of the most admired figures in the entire music business. Chesney also wrote, "In 2007, Willie Nelson was curious, thinking Buddy and I might be good producers. He loved the job we'd done with 'Lucky Old Sun'. It struck something inside him, and I understood."
The singer further shared, "Considering he'd been produced by Don Was and Booker T. Jones, I was flattered...Buddy knew songs, pulling sessions together. Add my song sense, a few of my musical ideas, and it could be something special."
He Had the Jitters
Chesney also concedes that he was nervous on the way to Los Angeles with Cannon to meet Nelson. He was "happy" too. He recalled Nelson's emblematic tour bus. "Stepping on Willie's bus, all polished wood and leather, it's welcoming, but more you're walking into someone's favorite rooms where people relax and really spend time together. Willie was ready, smiling and excited to talk songs: the ones we'd brought, the things he'd written."
Chesney Never Forgot the Amazing Recording Sessions
As he writes in his book, the recording sessions for Moment of Forever were exceptional. Freewheeling and relaxed, the atmosphere was remarkable.
Chesney explained, "The recording sessions were unlike anything Nashville had seen in years...this was about the hang...Willie told stories, made jokes, and that would double when Hank Cochran, who was a struggling songwriter in the '60s alongside Willie, stopped by. It was lived history from two Country Music Hall of Fame inductees."
