KENNY CHESNEY WHAT I KNOW NOW NO SHOES & NO PROBLEMS!

THE COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR OPENS UP ABOUT HEROES, MILESTONES AND WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE IN THE FAST LANE

- ALEX ROSS

Here and Now "I felt like if I didn't take a moment to reflect on what's happened to me and my band and my road family, I might not ever do it," Chesney says.

Kenny Chesney lives by an islands-inspired edict: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems. The motto was the title of his sixth studio album in 2002, which he says is the one that really changed his life. “It’s been 23 years since then. I can’t even believe I’m saying that,” Chesney, 57, muses. “[That album] set me on a path that I’m truly still on today.” After playing in his college bluegrass band turned into pursuing music full-time, the Luttrell, Tenn., native became an instant star in 1999 with his quirky, catchy single “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.”

His momentum hasn’t slowed since. Chesney, who has scored 23 No. 1 hits, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Oct. 19. Now, more than three decades into his career, Chesney’s foot is still on the gas. “I love creating. That’s what I’ve always done,” he says. “And it’s hard for me to accept that I’m going into the Country Music Hall of Fame when I’m still this busy!” In June Chesney will return to the Las Vegas Sphere for a second residency, and his latest project, a book titled Heart Life Music, will hit stands on Nov. 4. Chesney (who was raised by mom Karen and dad Dave and was briefly married to Renée Zellweger in 2005) reflects on everything from family and relationships to his life’s work in the pages. Here he shares what he’s learned about success, friendship and making music that matters.

Your passion will lead you to your purpose