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There is probably no better example of a modern hometown hero than country singer Kenny Chesney .

A little less than a decade ago Chesney was a talented East Tennessee kid looking to make his own lucky break in Nashville's country music scene.

Friday night, the wayfaring Chesney returned home to the waving arms of a cheering crowd that was approximately 20,000 strong at Thompson-Boling Arena.

At one point, Chesney had to stop to wipe away a couple of tears.

"It means a lot to come back to your hometown and be accepted like this," Chesney said to the adoring throng.

It isn't luck, though, that got Chesney to this point. As he handily proved Friday night, he has grown into one of the most durable and likable country stars on the market.

With a strong voice that has lost none of its East Tennessee twang, Chesney is a master of affecting country ballads and naughty pop-country novelties. He has developed into a polished, confident performer who holds benevolent control over an audience.

While he includes big screen projections and an explosion of confetti and streamers in the show, Chesney mostly confines the entertainment he provides to music.

Friday's show opened with the Clark Family, who much of the audience (and at least one reviewer) missed due to the traffic snarl outside of the arena.

Lee Ann Womack took the stage at 8:30 p.m. with a well-received, if somewhat spotty performance. Womack's set mixed country standards, such as "My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You" and "Miles and Miles of Texas," with fine originals, including the hits "Ashes By Now," "A Little Past Little Rock" and "I Hope You Dance."

However, her country cover of Paul McCartney's trifle "Let 'Em In" was just weird.

Chesney arrived on stage at 9:50 p.m. after the video of his tribute to John Ward, titled "Touchdown Tennessee," played to the standing and enthusiastic crowd.

He followed that up by delivering a collection of his feel-good hits, including "She's Got It All," "Fall in Love" and "How Forever Feels"; the small town anthem "That's Where I Come From"; the moving tale of an alcoholic "That's Why I'm Here"; and a handful of other favorites.

Along the way, he tossed in a cover Conway Twitty's "I'd Love to Lay You Down" and Billy Joel's "You May Be Right."

Reveling in the crowd's recognition of his songs, Chesney would end a song and then reprise the chorus for the crowd to sing a cappella.

Chesney seemed to love it -- and the crowd did, too.

Chesney is a home town hero who's welcome home anytime.

© 2001, Knoxville News Sentinel
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