Kenny Chesney, ‘Life on a Rock’ Includes Legendary Guests

Kenny Chesney, whose previous collaborators include Grace Potter ("You & Tequila"), George Strait ("Shiftwork") and Uncle Kracker ("When the Sun Goes Down"), is calling on his friends again. The country superstar will feature two musical icons, Willie Nelson and the Wailers Band, on his upcoming album, Life on a Rock, set for release April 30.

"The spirit of this record is so much about friendship," Kenny explains. "A lot of these songs were inspired by the people I've met, the lives we've shared and the way they inspired me. It felt kind of odd to not have some of the musical people who've inspired me be a part of this record. So, I reached out to Willie -- because who is more inspiring? Any chance you have to be around him, take it. You will be more for the time you share. He sang on 'Lucky Old Sun' with me, and Buddy Cannon and I got to produce his Moment of Forever [album], which is one of the things I'm proudest of in my career. I wanted to do something different with him this time."

The pair can be heard together on the island-inspired "Coconut Tree," which also features marimba and steel drums.

Kenny and the Wailers Band have never recorded together before, but the two shared the CMA Awards show stage for a performance in 2008.

"I really wanted to have that experience with Family Man and those guys," says Kenny of the legendary reggae group. "To go to Jamaica and make music and even write with them ... "

The result is a tune called "Spread the Love," one of the eight songs on the 10-track collection Kenny had a hand in writing.

Kenny is currently in the Top 10 with "Pirate Flag," the first single from Life on a Rock. He's also on the road with his No Shoes Nation tour, which includes opening acts Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church and the Eli Young Band.