Kenny Chesney's 'No Shoes Radio' joins SiriusXM

NEW YORK -- Country singer Kenny Chesney now has his own "No Shoes Radio" channel on satellite radio's SiriusXM, seeking more exposure for an online venture he started in 2008 to share music with fans.

Besides Chesney's own music, the channel features a mix of country, acoustic, classic rock and reggae at least partly curated by the star. The name "No Shoes Radio" is a takeoff on his 2002 album, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems."

SiriusXM said the service launched March 29. Late this month, Chesney will host a private concert for SiriusXM subscribers that will air live from New Jersey's Stone Pony nightclub.

Besides concert and backstage material, Chesney has invited bands he likes to perform on "No Shoes Radio" and conducted interviews.

"The radio station reflects what I like to listen to and how much music means to me," he said. "I really believe it has a lot of positive energy."

Chesney recalled growing up in Tennessee listening to a lot of classic rock. The mix of music he enjoys -- and "No Shoes Radio" employs -- would be difficult for a typical radio station to program because it might confuse some listeners, he said.

Chesney will join a shelf of Sirius channels created and devoted to prominent artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Pearl Jam, Eminem and Neil Diamond.

The country star, who has just released the single "Noise" in collaboration with Shane McAnally, said he believes the station helps connect him to his fans.

"One of the secrets to our success is that we have opened up our arms to invite everybody in, and the radio station is no different," he said.