John King Explains Why He Admires Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney

Rising country star John King knows he has big shoes to fill. The Georgia native, whose debut single "Tonight Tonight" was released last year, says he looks to superstars like Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney for inspiration, especially when it comes to his fans.

"Look at their careers, their trajectory," King tells The Boot. "They're still around, and people still love 'em. They still have No. 1 records, they still sell. And, you know, the common factor is, obviously good music, but just as important is the way they treat their fans.

"If you ever ask anybody about Garth, that's usually the first thing they'll say: 'Man, I was at a meet and greet, and Garth talked to me, he asked about me, he just made me feel like I was a friend, not just a fan,'" he adds.

King has been winning fans all over the country himself, not only thanks to his music, but also because of his focus on each audience member.

"I want my fans to feel like, when they come to a show, that they're not just paying the ticket price and getting to see a concert, but that they're a part of something," he says. "And I think that's what guys like Garth and Kenny do; they make you feel like you're part of something bigger. Because to them, it's real, and to me, it is too."

The 26-year-old also praises country-turned-pop star Taylor Swift, who is known almost as much for her acts of kindness as her chart-topping singles.

"She tweets at her fans personally, and you hear all the time about Taylor Swift sending people flowers and stuff," King says. "People remember that forever.”

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