Kenny Chesney Takes Home Humanitarian Of The Year Award At CRS

Kenny Chesney Takes Home Humanitarian Of The Year Award At CRS

Kenny Chesney's philanthropic work over the years has not gone unnoticed. The country star was awarded Humanitarian of the Year by the Country Radio Broadcasters during the Warner Music Nashville luncheon at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, TN.

Throughout his career, Chesney has been dedicated to doing good and helping others. He's been involved in many organizations including Drew Brees' Dream Foundation, MusiCares, St. Jude, Matthew McConaughey's Just Keep Livin' Foundation, the Smoky Mountain fire recovery, Music & Memory for Alzheimer's patients, Farm Aid and more. Additionally, he donated all the proceeds from his Songs for the Saints album in 2018 to his Love for Love City Fund, which helped provide disaster relief to the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

"I have to tell you, I have a lot of emotions standing up here," Chesney told the crowd as he accepted the award on Wednesday (February 19). “I am embarrassed and uncomfortable, but God has given me the gift of communicating with people through music... and that’s given me a unique platform to help, especially with the Virgin Islands, with Songs for the Saints, which was written in the moment and came from the heart."

"I’ve heard 'One Love' by Bob Marley my whole life and always loved what the song said, but when you’re under that kind of stress, to see everyone coming together for one cause to help change and to help rebuild. I got to see it firsthand and it was really beautiful and really special," Chesney reflected.

Chesney went on to thank Warner Music Nashville label head John Esposito and applaud country music for allowing him to "be part of a format where people truly care."

"In 2018 when we were out doing our stadium run, and even last year, the one thing everyone wanted to talk about [was] the relief and what we were doing...I don’t know about other formats, but country has always been a family -- and when somebody in the family hurts, we all hurt. I felt that," Chesney said, adding, "It gave me so much energy to get out there on the road."

After accepting his award, Chesney performed a three-song acoustic set. He played "Save It For A Rainy Day," "When The Sun Goes Down" and "Get Along." Gabby Barrett, Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde were also among artists who also took the stage at the luncheon.

Chesney's been hard at work on a new album expected this year. This Friday (February 21), a new song called "Here And Now" from the upcoming project will be released. Fans can hear a sneak peek of the new song below.

Photo: Getty Images


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