Jon Pardi has a lot of respect for Kenny Chesney. The California native credits Chesney with changing how country artists perform, especially ones with fans like Chesney has.
“I think Kenny Chesney was the first to go to football fields — like out of everybody,” Pardi tells Taste of Country Nights (via American Songwriter). “I mean, of course there’s Garth [Brooks], but Kenny made a show of it.”
“For me, he was always the first guy to do a stadium tour, and selling them out,” the Grand Ole Opry member adds. “And of course, that’s not even talking about his catalog… I’m definitely all for it. He was a pioneer of stadium concerts.”
In 2000, Chesney released his Greatest Hits album. The record became a soundtrack for Pardi, who was 15 years old when it was released.
“That’s the album we all grew up with,” Pardi shares. “A lot of us listened to that record. I think that’s what boosted him to the stadiums.”
The father of two just released “She Drives Away,” from his forthcoming Honkytonk Hollywood record, which also includes his current single, “Friday Night Heartbreaker.”
“All my albums have been rock and roll with a country flare – this one keeps on rockin’,” Pardi says of the record. “It’s also the most grown-up record I’ve ever made, all my soul basically. Honkytonk Hollywood is for the Nashville that’s in my blood and it’s also a nod to my California roots. And right now, more than ever, I hope it’s a way to honor and lift up the people of my home state.”
Honkytonk Hollywood, out on April 11, is Pardi’s fifth studio album, and the one he is most proud to release.
“You’re gonna hear a different side of me,” Pardi hints on TalkShopLive. “Maybe a layer that hasn’t been there. A little more heartfelt, a little more serious, but still fun. You’re definitely going to hear a new sound. I feel a little more less-polished, a little more open, a little more grit. I feel like you’re gonna love it. I’m so proud of this record.
“For anybody out there who’s thinking, ‘Maybe I need to make a change for the better,’ don’t ever be afraid to do that,” he adds. “This record represents a decision I made for myself and for my fans, and for just country music in general. This is a great record.”
Pardi will kick off his Honkytonk Hollywood Tour on April 25. Find all of his music and tour dates, and pre-order Honkytonk Hollywood, at JonPardi.com.
Chesney will join June Carter Cash and Tony Brown in being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this fall.
“For me, this is beyond a dream,” Chesney says of the honor. “I keep thinking I’m gonna wake up on my couch back at [East Tennessee State University]. But standing here, this is more than real, it’s surreal. I couldn’t be more thankful or humble.”