Uncle Kracker Tells a Tale of Two Kenny's

Uncle Kracker experienced country radio success with the Kenny Chesney duet, 'When the Sun Goes Down,' back in 2006. Around that time, Kenny offered his rocker buddy some helpful advice on what it takes to be successful in the genre.


"Kenny always told me that if you're going to do anything, don't do it half-heartedly," Uncle Kracker tells The Boot. "It made a lot of sense. Just being in and out of Nashville as many times as I have in the past 10 years, I know how lucky I am to still be making records after 11 years now. “


"I think I learned a lot not only from Kenny, but from Kid Rock as well," Uncle Kracker adds. "They've both been big mentors. They are like older brothers. If there's one thing that I've learned from each of them it was never go into anything half-heartedly. I really believe that if your heart's not in it that you should not be doing it."


Uncle Kracker's next country milestone? It would be to work with another legendary Kenny!


"I would love to do something with Kenny Rogers," he says with a grin. "I just think he is one of the greatest dudes ever. When I was really young, I used to think that I was Kenny Rogers. [laughs] I would slick my hair back, sit in my room with a guitar and sing 'Coward of the County' until I couldn't talk anymore. So Kenny Rogers is definitely someone I want to work with. I used to wish that he was my dad. Remember that movie 'Six Pack'? [Kenny's character's] name was Brewster. He raced cars. When I was young, my dad raced cars, too, and they kind of looked alike at the same time, but I always remember Kenny Rogers being much nicer.[laughs]"


Uncle Kracker is on the road over the next few weeks with country newcomer Frankie Ballard opening the shows. Click here for a complete list of dates where the two will be stopping.