Kenny Chesney, one of the most celebrated singers in music over the past thirty years, has recently offered fans a new way to connect with his life and artistry through his first book, "Heart Life Music," co-written with journalist Holly Gleason. Set to be published by William Morrow, the book provides an intimate look into Chesney’s journey from his roots in East Tennessee to becoming a country music icon, and the many experiences that have shaped his career and personal life. Among the many stories shared, Chesney recounts a particularly soulful and pivotal collaboration with singer-songwriter Grace Potter, which he highlights as a defining moment in his musical journey.
In an excerpt from "Heart Life Music," Chesney reflects on the metaphor of the classic television game show "Let's Make A Deal," where contestants choose between known prizes or the mysterious “Door No. 3,” which could hold anything from a wheelbarrow to a new car. Chesney likens this to his own life philosophy as a dreamer and artist—always drawn to the unknown and willing to take risks rather than playing it safe. This mindset has fueled his creativity and led to some of his most memorable collaborations, including his work with Grace Potter.
Chesney recalls receiving the song "You & Tequila" late one night via email and being immediately captivated by its raw emotional power. The song explores the addictive and destructive pull of a relationship that is hard to quit, a theme that resonated deeply with him. He reached out to Matraca Berg, one of the song’s writers, to hear a demo featuring a male vocalist, Tim Krekel, whose rendition heightened Chesney’s connection to the song.
As Chesney and his producer Buddy Cannon were finalizing the album "Hemingway’s Whiskey," they sought a way to make "You & Tequila" stand out. While considering various artists who might add the perfect touch, Chesney’s team suggested Grace Potter, a singer known for her soulful and haunting voice. Although it seemed an unlikely pairing on paper—Chesney being a country star and Potter leaning more toward rock and folk—the mystery and authenticity Potter brought to her music made her the ideal fit.
Chesney describes discovering Potter’s music in the quiet of the Virgin Islands, where the absence of light pollution allowed him to fully absorb her voice. He was struck by the soulful beauty and raw honesty of her live performances, particularly her skill on the B-3 organ and her distinctive vocal style. To him, her sound felt like “coming home,” a deeply comforting and genuine expression that connected with his own artistic sensibilities.
The collaboration came together under tight time constraints. Potter had just finished a European tour and was exhausted from travel. Despite her fatigue and the skepticism of her manager, she agreed to fly to Nashville within 48 hours to record her part before the album’s mastering deadline. Chesney recalls the moment she arrived at Blackbird Recording Studios, dressed in a leopard print dress and full of energy and charisma. Her presence immediately changed the atmosphere, bringing a fresh, brash, and smart energy that invigorated the session.
In the studio, Potter quickly found the emotional core of "You & Tequila." After a few takes, her haunting “ooooohOOOOOHohhhh” vocal runs were captured perfectly, completing the song’s mood and making it something special. Chesney notes that sometimes you just know when a collaboration is right, even before the final mix is done.
The connection between Chesney and Potter extended beyond the studio. On Chesney’s birthday, they shared dinner at the Sunset Grille, where they bonded over their shared backgrounds despite coming from different musical worlds. Potter’s influences—Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, and Lucinda Williams—differed from Chesney’s country roots, but they found common ground in their small-town upbringings and family-oriented values.
Their friendship was immediate and genuine. As the evening ended, Potter jumped into Chesney’s car and declared, “I don’t know what the future holds, but we’re going to be friends for life.” Chesney believes that certain relationships and moments in life are preordained, set into motion by some larger force, and he considers Potter one of those special people.
This story from "Heart Life Music" offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of Chesney’s most beloved songs and highlights the magic that can happen when artists take a chance on the