Kenny Chesney recently performed on The Today Show, ahead of the September 25 release of his Silver Sands Marina record. Chesney sang several songs, including his current single, “Carry On,” plus “Goldfish” and the title track of his next record, along with “American Kids” and “Get Along.”
In addition to performing, Chesney also spent time talking about Silver Sands Marina, his 21st record. The album comes two and a half years after BORN was released in 2024.
“You hope that the record you put out is a reflection, is a mirror for where you are in your life,” Chesney says. “I feel like this record is. The thing that I love about it is, I was afforded the gift of time with this one. Usually when an artist has a record, they put it out, and it does well, the label wants another one. … in like a 12 or 18 month period. But I wasn’t on that treadmill.”
Instead of just churning out more music, Chesney wrote his Heart Life Music book. He also headlined two Live at Sphere Las Vegas residencies in 2025 and 2026.
“It took about three years to get this album where I wanted it,” Chesney says. “I was very thankful.”
What Kenny Chesney Says About His ‘Silver Sands Marina’ Album
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When asked what the through-line is in Silver Sands Marina, Chesney had an immediate answer.
“Joy,” Chesney responds.. “There are a lot of emotions on this record that make you feel really alive, and I’m very proud of that. That’s one thing that I try. When we’re up there on stage, sometimes I edit myself to a fault, because I’m constantly going, ‘If I record this song, is anybody out there going to care the way I think they’re going to care?’ Sometimes it’s to a fault. But being up there on stage, and seeing everybody up there, and seeing their eyes, and how they react to a certain song, you can’t help but edit yourself like that.
“So it took me a minute to get this there,” he adds. “But when I did, it was joy. And I think about the audience when I look at their faces every night when I’m out there, because it’s a real special thing to see.”
What Kenny Chesney Says About His Performance On the ‘Today Show’
In typical Chesney fashion, the 58-year-old performed for The Today Show crowd like he was headlining a nighttime stadium show, holding nothing back, in spite of the early hour.
“I figured if we’ve got the band in place, we might as well open it up,” Chesney explains. “To play these songs for the people, to feel the energy and see how they light people up is what it’s all about… And it was great they gave us five songs, so we could go deep – and have some fun. And it was.”
Silver Sands Marina might be Chesney’s 21st album, but it’s also the one he is most eager to perform, which he will do on his just-announced 2027 Original Vibe Room Tour
“It’s been three years since I put out a record, and we’ve got new music to play,” Chesney says. “This has been such a creative time for me and the band, and we’re loving every moment. If it’s this much fun now, I can’t imagine what next year’s tour is gonna be like – because these songs are landing now, it’s going to be crazy when we get to Tampa. Just the way we like it.”
All of Chesney’s performances are available to watch on the Today Show website.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Today Show