Monday Music Roundup: Hey Jude Hits No. 1, Chesney Sails In, and AM Radio Heads to the Senate
Written by Jarvis Prime on September 28, 2026
Rock history, a big Friday for Americana and country fans, and good news for the AM dial, all in one cup of coffee.
Good morning, south Georgia, and happy Monday from all of us at Pretoria Fields Radio. There's plenty this morning: some rock history, a stack of new records from Friday, and a bit of radio news for anybody who still leans on the AM dial.
First, a look back. On this day in 1968, the Beatles' "Hey Jude" went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for nine straight weeks. Six years later, on September 28, 1974, Bad Company's self-titled debut was the top album on the Billboard 200. And for the Texas boogie crowd, ZZ Top put out their 13th studio album, XXX, on this date in 1999.
Today is also a tender one for Americana fans. Kris Kristofferson died two years ago today in Hawaii, at 88. If you've got one of his songs handy, today would be a fine day to play it.
Now to the new music. This past Friday, September 25, was one of the busiest release days of the year for country and Americana. Kenny Chesney put out Silver Sands Marina, his 21st studio album. It has 11 songs, and he co-produced it with his longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon. It includes the lead single "Carry On," with guest spots from Megan Moroney, Colbie Caillat and Lily Meola. Ian Noe released Canyon Falls Trailer Band, a 16-song concept record about a made-up band's one-night showcase, with Charlie McCoy on harmonica. Wade Bowen, Mary Gauthier, Uncle Lucius and Dylan Gossett also had new albums out Friday, so there's plenty to listen to out on the porch this week.
For the rock side of the house, Clutch just released "Wasted Lands," the title track from their next album. It's got the bluesy, heavy riffs their fans keep coming back for. Lynyrd Skynyrd are also still on the road, with their 2026 tour running into October and bringing along 38 Special, Foghat and Molly Hatchet.
Last, some radio news close to our hearts. The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on a voice vote. The bill would require new cars sold in this country, electric models included, to come with AM radio at no extra cost. It now goes to the Senate, where a matching bill from Senators Ted Cruz and Ed Markey has more than 60 cosponsors. Out here, where storms roll through and cell signals come and go, broadcasters say AM is still an important way to get emergency information.
And in network radio, Westwood One's America in the Morning signed off after 42 years to make room for a new morning show on nearly 300 stations.
That's your roundup. Stay tuned to Pretoria Fields Radio, and have a good week.
— The Pretoria Fields Radio news desk
