True to their namesake, the Country Alabama Band was formed by Randy Owen and his cousins Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry during the late 1960s in Fort Payne, Alabama. Alabama is a legendary country music band that has left an lasting mark on the genre. Formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969, the band’s unique blend of country, Southern rock, and gospel influences made them pioneers in modern country music.
Alabama Band Formation and Early Years
- Founding Members: Alabama was founded by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, keyboards, and backing vocals).
- Hometown: The band originated in Fort Payne, Alabama.
- Original Name: Initially, the group was called “Young Country,” then “Wildcountry” before settling on “Alabama” in 1977.
- Early Performances: The band’s first gigs were at local clubs and events, often performing covers of popular songs.
- Breakthrough Moment: Their big break came in 1980 with the single “Tennessee River,” which became their first No. 1 hit.
Alabama Band Musical Achievements
- Chart Success: Alabama has over 40 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
- Album Sales: The band has sold over 75 million records worldwide.
- Notable Albums: Some of their most famous albums include Mountain Music (1982), Feels So Right (1981), and Roll On (1984).
- Awards: They have won multiple CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and Grammy Awards, including the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year award three times.
- Crossover Appeal: Their music crossed over into pop charts, broadening their audience.
Alabama Band Iconic Songs
- “Mountain Music”: This 1982 hit is one of their most beloved songs and won a Grammy Award.
- “Dixieland Delight”: A fan favorite that has become synonymous with the band’s legacy.
- “Song of the South”: A nostalgic anthem celebrating Southern heritage.
- “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”: A high-energy track that showcases their Southern roots.
- “Angels Among Us”: A heartfelt gospel-inspired song that continues to resonate with audiences.
Recent Years
- Jeff Cook’s Health: In 2017, Cook revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis but continued to perform when possible until his passing in 2022.
- 50th Anniversary: In 2019, Alabama celebrated their 50th anniversary with a special tour.
- Continued Legacy: The band remains a cornerstone of country music, inspiring generations of artists and fans.
Check out this collection of fun facts about Alabama below!
Additional Alabama Band Fun Facts
1. Alabama first performed under the band name ‘Wildcountry’. The band’s first performance together was at a high school talent show, where they performed a Merle Haggard song. The group won first prize, and were rewarded tickets to the Grand Ole Opry.
3. AllMusic accredited Alabama with popularizing the country band, which up until that time was far less common than individual artists. Selling over 75 million records, Alabama is one of the best-selling country music bands.
Alabama Band: My Home’s in Alabama Video
4. In an Billboard interview with Randy Owen, he said of the agricultural season that “Calving season would be my favorite — when the new babies come. It’s just a happy time to see the mother with her little one, and you get to watch new births. We have two calving seasons — in the fall and the spring, but that would be my favorite part of it. It’s also a family thing. It’s my wife and my children, and hopefully one day, it will also be my grandchildren.” Randy Yeuell Owen was born at The Guest’s Clinic in Fort Payne, Alabama on December 13, 1949. Randy plays the rhythm guitar and sings most of the solo vocals on the group’s hits. Overall, Alabama Band members have included: Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Mark Herndon, Bennett Vartanian, Jackie Owen, Rick Scott, Tommy Hucks, and Don Perkey. Learn more about key members of the Alabama band below.
5. Mark Herndon, the former drummer of the Alabama, was the only member of the band not born in Alabama. Herndon was born in Massachusetts, and was previously a rock n’ roll drummer. It was his experience with rock music that helped give Alabama their signature sound.
6. Teddy Wayne Gentry (bass Guitar) was born in Fort Payne, Alabama on January 22, 1952. Teddy plays music by ear and has written hundreds of songs. He co-wrote many of the Alabama hits including: “How Do I Fall In Love,” “Why Lady Why,” “My Home’s In Alabama,” “Fallin’ Again,” “Give Me One More Shot,” “Sad Lookin’ Moon,”
7. Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards) was born and reared in Fort Payne, Alabama, at the foot of Lookout Mountain and has been playing lead guitar and keyboards in bands since the age of thirteen.
8. State Recognition: The band’s home state of Alabama named a portion of a highway after them—”Alabama Highway.”
9. Hollywood Star: They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.
Alabama’s contributions to country music are immeasurable. Their timeless hits and groundbreaking approach to the genre ensure they will forever be remembered as one of the greatest country bands of all time.
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