Kenny Chesney turns the big 4-0

Chesney celebrated the big 4-0 at Cabana restaurant in Nashville. Otherse on hand were New England Patriot Junior Seau, NASCAR champ Sterling Marlin, former tourmates Jennifer Nettles and Kellie Pickler. Also in attendance were songwriters Dean Dillon and Paul Overstreet, the former penning many of George Strait's hits and the latter responsible for Chesney's breakout "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy."

"Looking around this room, I don't know what to say," said Chesney. "Every one of them means so much to me, who I am and how I got here...and to see them all here, it makes me realize what a gift all the people in my life have been."

Pianist Jason D. Williams - a former RCA labelmate - turned in a set of rockabilly rave-ups and over-the-top showmanship, that included playing with his feet, upside down from on top of the piano and with his hands behind his back. Classic stylist Con Hunley played prior to Williams.

"Jason has more talent than almost anybody out there - and I figured if we're gonna get together to have fun and party, let's get somebody who knows how to set a room on fire," Chesney said. "Looking around, watching people watch him, it was great to be able to turn so many people onto someone I've known for years and loved."

With two cakes - each sporting a "4" and an "0" candle - a book of letters from various people who'd touched Chesney's life, ranging from Keith Urban to Peyton Manning to Eva Longoria to photographer Glen Rose and director Shaun Silva, left its mark on Chesney.

"I can tell you right now," said Chesney of the leather bound book, "I haven't even started reading this yet, and I already know that it's my favorite birthday present ever."

Chocolate or vanilla cake marking the end of an evening that included his BNA Records family, tour sponsors Corona Extra, managers Dale Morris and Clint Higham who were the evening's hosts, band, crew, Buddy Cannon, Norro Wilson, ASCAP head Connie Bradley.