Kenny Chesney's poignant new song "Knowing You" was the perfect vehicle for the ACM Awards' In Memoriam moment on Sunday night (April 18).

The blue-shaded performance found Chesney in a black hat, gray slacks and navy polo, singing a song from his Here and Now album. Personal scenes covered the video backdrop behind him before he stepped back and let his band play on for the final minute of the four-and-a-half minute long performance. Quickly, the names and faces of over more than a dozen country music singers, songwriters, musicians, radio deejays and dignitaries who have died since last September's awards show flashed on the screen.

Mac Davis, Jerry Jeff Walker, KT Oslin, Hal Ketchum, Tony Rice, Jason "Rowdy" Cope, JT Gray and Charley Pride were just a few of those recognized.

Pride — a Country Music Hall of Famer who died in late 2020 from complications of COVID-19 — was last. The country music pioneer was not recognized with a formal tribute during the show, but was on the mind of singers like Jimmie Allen, who considered him a major influence.

Chesney's solo performance was his first of two during the 2021 ACM Awards. The singer also teamed with Kelsea Ballerini to sing "Half of My Hometown" during the show. This song is found on Ballerini's latest album, Kelsea (2020).

The 2021 ACM Awards aired live on CBS and stream live on Paramount+. Sign up for Paramount+ here.

2021 ACM Awards Show Photos:

The 2021 ACM Awards took place in Nashville on Sunday night (April 18). Luke Bryan was crowned Entertainer of the Year, while Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris were named Male and Female Artist of the Year, respectively.

The three-hour show was also packed with performances from Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Little Big Town and many more. Artists were at the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe, as well as on Lower Broadway, at the Station Inn and along the Nashville riverfront.

Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton co-hosted the show.

More From 98.1 The Hawk