Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban rally in aftermath of Tennessee floods

Country singer Kenny Chesney, who has a spread in Nashville, posted video of the aftermath of the Tennessee floods Thursday on YouTube and sought help for those affected by waters that rose after the devastating rainfall Sunday. Damage estimates top $1 billion, according to the Nashville Tennessean, and 30 people died in three states.

"This city is really hurting now," Chesney told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Thursday (the interview is after the jump). Flying home to check on his Nashville property, Chesney said, he couldn't believe what he saw from the air.

"You watch on the news and you see all this stuff happen around the world, but, you know, this has really had an effect on this town and on this state and it's a really tough thing for people to deal with, including me."

Taylor Swift donated $500,000 to Nashville flood-recovery efforts, it was announced Thursday night during "Working 4 You: Flood Relief With Vince Gill and Friends," a local telethon to benefit flood victims. [Updated, 8:28 a.m.: That effort raised more than $1.7 million, the Boot reports, including Gill and wife Amy Grant's $100,000. Larry Gatlin and Naomi Judd were among those manning the phones, Keith Urban performed on a borrowed guitar, having likely lost most of his to the floodwaters. Check out the Boot's report for many more names.]

"Being at home during the storm, I honestly could not believe what was happening to the city and the people I love so dearly," Swift told the Associated Press in an e-mail. "Nashville is my home, and ...

... the reason why I get to do what I love. I have always been proud to be a Nashvillian, but especially now, seeing the love that runs through this city when there are people in crisis."

Keith Urban, who lost equipment in the flooding, said he and wife Nicole Kidman have donated money to the relief effort and urged others to do the same. Michelle Branch also lost property to the rains.

Many of the area's entertainment and tourist venues have been affected. The Tennessee Titans football stadium flooded dramatically, but upon further inspection, the damage was not as bad as expected. The Opryland Resort could be closed for six months, the Tennessean reports, and extensive flooding at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday forced the performance of a show at a location other than Opry House or Ryman Auditorium for the first time since 1975.

"We need the world's help right now," said Chesney, who on Twitter encouraged donations to the Nashville Area Red Cross.

Photos: (above right) Kenny Chesney performs at the 45th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 18. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press

(above left) Taylor Swift performs onstage at Time's 100 Most Influential People gala on May 4 in New York City. Credit: Jemal Countess / Getty Images for Time Inc.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Comments

[Tim]

Where's Miley Cyrus??

[Alex]

Taylor Swift! U rock! 500k to the relief effort, what a beautiful gesture for a beautiful woman! Is she single?

[Mary]

So how ? Maybe the could match Taylor Swifts amount. You are one sweet generous unselfish lady Taylor.

[nephos9]

How nice that the LA Times is finally paying attention while another great American city drowns. What happened, nothing front page-worthy in your precious Eagle Rock?

[Serena Wells]

I am deeply sadden by the current news on the flooding in Nashville and send out our prayers to everyone.

The Aspergillus Association Of America is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Barre, Vermont. We are educating the communities about the Health Risks Of Aspergillus Mold. Aspergillus is a Fungus that is found in soil, compost, old buildings and in this case can be found in homes after the waters have subsided. Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions to life threatening Lung Infections. People with Asthma, Leukemia, and Cystic Fibrosis are at a higher risk of developing these infections. However, it is possible for some people to inhale enough spores to become ill without any underlying health condition.

Please visit our website and email us if you would like further information at
www.aspergillusassociation.org

It is very important that the people in Nashville as well as other flood areas are aware of the Health Risks and take proper precautions to protect themselves for the risk or exposure to Aspergillus Mold.

Again Our thoughts and Prayer go out to all who have been affected by the recent Flooding.

Serena Wells
Founder/Executive Director
Aspergillus Association Of America

[Karen]

Where is Kenny's chunk-o-change? He can give his 2 cents worth in an interview, but do not see any money given on his part. Cough up some cash, Kenny. Or have you spent it all on women and booze?

[Susan]

I am wondering why Kenny can charge $400 a ticket and yet cannot give at least half of this money to the Nashville flood victims. I will not donate until I hear Kenny has helped with these outrageous prices.

From Las Vegas, NV

[Kelly Derosier]

How do any of you know that Kenny has not given money to help the flood victims!!!!!

[Robin]

Other stars (including Chesney) have donated. Just because Swift's donation makes headlines because 50 billion teenagers love her doesn't mean she's the only one giving money. Kenney Chesney has definitely ALREADY given money to this issue.

[amanda]

I honestly dont think Kenny would urging everybody like crazy to donate, if he hasnt already himself.

[Dave]

Are you people serious? Kenny Chesney lost his multi-million dollar house. It is being condemned because of flood damage. He is using his celebrity to help OTHERS hurt in the flood. He and Keith Urban and other Nashville stars have lost plenty. You people want them to donate millions too?

[Sonya]

First of all, Kenny Chesney gives money all the time to many worthwhile causes/charities. He just does not give it for the recognition, so it is not in the headlines. He gives for the right reason - because it's the right thing to do. Secondly, I have seen Kenny Chesney, with good seats, for the last seven years and have never, NEVER paid more than $85 for a ticket. If someone is paying $400, they are either getting them from a scalper, e-Bay auction type of site or are, simply, an idiot. He purposely keeps his ticket prices low so all who want to see him can afford to do so. This is the first time I've ever posted a comment on something like this, but really, people, know what you're talking about before you go spouting off. If you don't like Kenny Chesney, fine, but don't go making up stuff.

[Robert Metcalf ( From Newport Oregon)]

i agree with sonya. Lay off people. I myself have been to 15 chesney shows and never once paid over 100 dollars to see him live. And I'm sure he has helped with the flood relief, Kenny as well does other donations. The news doesn't tell you everything so quit beilving everything you see.