Chesney renews deal with Sony

During his tenure with the label group, Chesney has sold more than 30 million albums and scored 37 Top 5 singles, including 23 number 1 hits.

Chesney's next disc, "Welcome to the Fishbowl," is out June 19. Chesney had been on BNA, but the label is folding with all artists shifting to Columbia Nashville.

"I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter, so to have my own label imprint feels like beyond a dream come true," said Chesney. "'Welcome to the Fishbowl' is the most honest and authentic album I've ever recorded, and I'm thrilled to be able to release it on my own Blue Chair Records. It's the start of a great new chapter for me as an artist."

Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said, "We are very happy to be renewing our worldwide partnership with Kenny Chesney. He is a tremendous superstar with a unique creative vision, and we look forward to sharing continued success with him in the years ahead."

"This is Kenny's recording home, and I couldn't be happier to say that Kenny and Sony will continue to make records together for many years to come," said Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton. "And his new album 'Welcome to the Fishbowl' may be his finest record yet."

Chesney's future recordings will carry his Blue Chair Records imprint. Blue Chair will be affiliated with Columbia Nashville and listed as Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville.

As for the company label change, Overton said, "We are proud to add these artists to the legacy of the Columbia Nashville label. For more than 50 years Columbia Records has been part of Nashville with such legendary talents as Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and Ray Price to name a few. And now, the rich history continues."