Kenny Chesney Moves to Warner Music Nashville, Exiting Sony Music

The move comes as Chesney’s 2016 studio album, Cosmic Hallelujah, is up for best country album at the Jan. 28 Grammy Awards. Chesney’s latest release, Live In No Shoes Nation, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country albums chart in November, making it his 15th chart topper, with sales to date of 357,000 copies. He has sold more than 30 million albums, according to Nielsen Music. In October, he scored his 28th No. 1 single  on Billboard's Country Airplay chart with "All The Pretty Girls."  

“Kenny Chesney embodies the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and expression,” Esposito said. “An unapologetic free spirit, he has built a career on perseverance, drive, innovation, and most especially, great songs. Everything he does is inspired. It is with deep respect and honor that we welcome Kenny to Warner Music Nashville. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him and his team.”

Lousada added, “Kenny’s not only a country music icon, but an American superstar, who’s still hungry to write, record, and perform amazing music that moves millions of people. The fact that he has chosen Warner Music as his new label home is a huge testament to the culture created by Espo and his team, who have made our Nashville operation a magnet for both emerging talent and established artists."

Chesney also remains a powerhouse on the road. His 2015 Big Revival tour grossed more than $114 million, according to Billboard Boxscore. Chesney’s Trip Around The Sun stadium tour kicks off April 21 in Tampa

His exit from Sony Nashville follows the departure of Carrie Underwood from the label to Universal Music Group Nashville last March and Jake Owen to Big Loud Records in November. Sony Music Nashville had no comment on the changes.