Mark Chesnutt
b. 6 September 1963, Beaumont, Texas, USA. His father, Bob Chesnutt, was a singer who, although failing to make it big in Nashville in the mid-'60s, was popular in Texas but quit the music in favour of the used-car business, because he wanted to be with his family. It is, therefore, not surprising to find that, with strong parental encouragement, Mark followed in father's footsteps. (Sadly Bob died in 1990, just before his son achieved the success that had eluded him in his career). Impressed by George Jones (who also grew up in Beaumont), Chesnutt learned to play guitar and drums and as a 15-year-old, was singing in Texas clubs. He later formed his own band and worked all over Texas. He first recorded for Axbar and other independent labels until, in 1990, his recording of Too Cold At Home gained him a contract with MCA. Written by Bobby Harden, the song (which apparently George Jones had turned down) became a number 3 country chart hit. Chesnutt moved to Nashville and before the year was out, he scored his first number 1 with Brother Jukebox. During the next three years, he charted regularly, scoring further number 1's with I'll Think Of Something, It Sure Is Monday and Almost Goodbye. He recorded a duet, Talking To Hank, with George Jones, which appeared on his second album. Since his father's death, Chesnutt has become great friends with Jones and, on occasions, worked with his idol on tours. He appears on the video George Jones—Live In Tennessee (Prism 1994). He was honoured with the Country Music Association's Horizon Award in 1993. In 1994, he added a further number 1 with I Just Wanted You To Know, and a Top 10 hit with She Dreams. When the Decca label was re-formed, he was one of the biggest names to sign with it and early in 1995, he proved his point with Goin' Through The Big D.