ALABAMA
Formed in Fort Payne, Ala., cousins Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, harmony vocals) and Jeff Cook (lead guitar, keyboards, fiddle, harmony vocals) teamed in the late '60s to form several bands including Young Country and Wildcountry. The trio, along with a number of different drummers, honed their skills in nightclubs across the Southeast. Changing their name to Alabama in 1977 and adding drummer Mark Herndon in 1979, the band solidified their lineup and soon signed with RCA Records, where they have remained throughout their amazing career.
Alabama met immediate success with radio and the fans. Their first RCA album, My Home's in Alabama, was released in May 1980, featured the hit title cut, "Tennessee River" and "Why Lady Why," and was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA for more than 2 million units sold. Their sophomore album, Feels So Right, was certified Quadruple Platinum for more than 4 million units sold and contained the hits "Old Flame," "Love in the First Degree" and the title cut. Mountain Music, the band's third album, was certified Quintuple Platinum for more than 5 million units sold and produced the hits "Take Me Down," "Close Enough To Perfect" and the title cut. The band continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the '80s and '90s, producing 42 No. 1 singles. Additional hits include "Roll On," "If You're Gonna Play in Texas," "The Closer You Get," "Dixieland Delight," "Lady Down on Love," "Song of the South," "Forever's as Far as I'll Go," "I'm in a Hurry," "Angels Among Us," "In Pictures" and many more.
Alabama was more than just a collection of great musicians. The four members of Alabama co-produced every album, showcasing their skills both in front of the microphone and behind the mixing board. Owen wrote several of the classic Alabama songs, including "Tennessee River," "Feels So Right," "Mountain Music" and "Lady Down on Love." Owen and Gentry co-wrote several hit songs, including "My Home's in Alabama," "Dancin', Shaggin' on the Boulevard" and others featured on Alabama albums.
Alabama created a new standard on tour, utilizing state-of-the-art production similar to what the top rock and pop acts of the day were using. Their music and high-energy stage shows brought Country Music to new, young audiences who enjoyed Lynyrd Skynyrd and Yes as much as Waylon Jennings and Dolly Parton.
Alabama's success paved the way for many other top Country Music groups including Diamond Rio, Dixie Chicks, Lonestar, Rascal Flatts and Restless Heart. With more than 65 million albums sold, Alabama is the best selling Country Music group of all time. They are among the Top 5 best-selling Country Music acts of all time and among the 20 best-selling recording acts of all time in the United States. The band has sold more albums in the United States than Boston, Chicago, Eric Clapton, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Foreigner and Journey, among others. Alabama has received nine CMA Awards including the first three consecutive wins as Entertainer of the Year (1982-1984), Album of the Year in 1983 for The Closer You Get; Vocal Group of the Year (1981-1983), and Instrumental Group of the Year (1981 and 1982). Throughout their career, they have received more than 150 industry awards and were named "Country Group of the Century" by the RIAA in 1999.
Alabama retired from the road after a sold-out 2003-2004 Farewell Tour. A career-spanning 25th Anniversary Box Set will be released in early 2006.
