For over half a century, the story of ALABAMA has been etched into the heart of country music. It began with three young cousins from Fort Payne, Alabama, venturing to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a summer residency at The Bowery bar. Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook spent six years honing their craft, playing for tips and building a local following. Their perseverance paid off when they landed a major label deal, catapulting them into a realm of country music stardom that few have ever reached.
ALABAMA wasn’t just another band; they were a seismic shift in the genre. They unleashed an unprecedented streak of 21 consecutive #1 singles, a feat that remains unmatched across all genres. Their youthful energy, undeniable charisma, and rock-infused country sound broadened the appeal of country music, paving the way for self-contained bands to flourish. Their journey, marked by 73 million albums sold, culminated in inductions into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying their legendary status.
“ALABAMA & Friends” stands as a testament to their humble beginnings at The Bowery and their enduring influence on generations of country music artists. This tribute album showcases contemporary country stars interpreting classic ALABAMA songs, each bringing their unique style to the timeless melodies and harmonies that defined a generation. These artists, deeply inspired by ALABAMA’s stage presence, songwriting prowess, and impeccable song selection, pay homage to the band that shaped their own musical landscapes.
The sheer diversity and star power of the contributing artists on “ALABAMA & Friends” speaks volumes about the band’s far-reaching legacy. The album features renditions of ALABAMA classics by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and Trisha Yearwood. Each artist offers a fresh perspective on songs that are deeply embedded in the fabric of country music history.
“I thank God I’m here to witness these incredible artists lending their voices to our songs,” reflects Randy Owen, embodying the genuine sincerity that has resonated with millions of fans who connect with these down-to-earth superstars.
Jeff Cook echoes this sentiment, “It’s truly an honor to have so many talented artists participate in an ALABAMA tribute. We had a blast collaborating with them, and the final product is a testament to the fun and high quality that went into it.”
The songs selected for “ALABAMA & Friends” represent just a glimpse into the band’s extensive catalog, yet they encapsulate the essence of ALABAMA’s enduring appeal. Teddy Gentry emphasizes, “Our longevity is largely due to the careful song selection we always prioritized. It’s the songs that truly resonate with people and stand the test of time.”
The album features some of the most iconic “Alabama song” titles in country music history. “My Home’s In Alabama,” their breakthrough hit, introduced them to the world and remains an anthem for Southern pride. “Tennessee River,” their first chart-topping single, cemented their place at the forefront of country music. Tracks like “Old Flame” and “Love in the First Degree,” from their acclaimed second RCA album, further solidified their hit-making formula. “Lady Down On Love” showcases Randy Owen’s songwriting talent and the band’s signature harmonies. “The Closer You Get,” released during their unprecedented streak of 21 #1s, exemplifies their chart dominance. “She And I,” a mid-80s favorite, and 90s hits “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go” and “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)” highlight their continued success through different eras. The 1990s alone saw them amass 29 more chart hits, including 22 that reached #1 or the Top 5.
Adding to the project’s significance are two brand new tracks by ALABAMA themselves. These songs, produced in collaboration with legendary producer Harold Shedd, capture the timeless ALABAMA sound while remaining fresh and relevant for today’s audiences. Shedd, who played a crucial role in their early success and went on to discover talents like Shania Twain and Toby Keith, reunited with the band for this special project.
Randy Owen recounts, “I suggested bringing Harold back for the new material, and Jeff and Teddy were immediately on board. It was a truly special moment when he agreed. Having Harold involved again after all these years feels like a storybook chapter in my life and in ALABAMA’s career.”
Harold Shedd adds, “It had been years since we last worked together, but within just a couple of hours, we were creating music that sounded like classic 1980s ALABAMA. It was like witnessing ALABAMA reborn.”
Teddy Gentry admits with a touch of humor, “I always feel a bit apprehensive about releasing new material at this stage, knowing it has to measure up to our established track record.” However, he confidently affirms that the new songs achieve just that. He describes “That’s How I Was Raised” as a quintessential, heartfelt country song that perfectly showcases their signature harmonies, while “All American” delivers a powerful message about patriotism and national pride, resonating with contemporary sentiments.
The “ALABAMA & Friends” project organically evolved as the band approached their 40th anniversary. Teddy explains, “We started discussing doing some shows in venues we hadn’t played before, like the Ryman and the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.”
Jeff adds, “We launched the tour in Myrtle Beach, bringing our music back to the fans who have supported us from the beginning. While we’ve all pursued individual projects since our last tour, we recognize that we are strongest together as ALABAMA.”
Randy elaborates, “And as the tour plans developed, we started considering a CD project and the idea of involving other artists in a tribute.”
The chosen format of a tribute album became the perfect way to celebrate both their humble beginnings and their monumental achievements. Reflecting on their early days, Jeff says, “I don’t think we were thinking too far ahead back then. Our main concern was making enough money to pay our bills each week playing music.”
The Bowery provided them with a vital platform to expand beyond their local Fort Payne scene, where they had previously played at a nearby theme park, opening for national acts like Bobby Bare.
Teddy recalls, “We believed in the unique vocal blend we had and were determined to prove it. There were times we questioned whether we should just go back home and get regular jobs, but we kept rehearsing, writing songs, striving to improve, and believing in our potential.”
Harold Shedd vividly remembers seeing them at The Bowery: “The sound these three guys created together was truly remarkable. The crowd reacted to their original songs as if they were already hits. While they did some covers, a significant portion of their set was original material, much of which ended up on our first three albums together.”
ALABAMA’s impact extended beyond their music; they were pioneers in changing the image of country bands. Teddy explains, “We were renegades in sneakers and T-shirts. We had long hair and played loud, which initially met with resistance from some traditional country fans. But eventually, they embraced us, and our success paved the way for other bands in country music.”
The inclusion of artists like Eli Young Band, Rascal Flatts, and Florida Georgia Line on “Alabama & Friends”—bands who directly benefited from ALABAMA’s trailblazing path—underscores their lasting legacy. Their accolades are numerous, including over 150 major industry awards, two Grammys, the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award, multiple Entertainer of the Year awards from both the CMA and ACM, and the ACM’s Artist of the Decade award. They have earned 21 Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum albums and were recognized as the RIAA’s Country Group of the Century.
However, beyond the awards, ALABAMA’s true legacy resides in the hearts of their listeners. Randy shares an anecdote: “I was at a benefit concert at the Ryman and Jon Bon Jovi approached me, saying he was a fan of our music.”
Jeff emphasizes the importance of their fanbase: “Many fans start by saying, ‘I don’t want to bother you,’ but they don’t realize that every award we’ve received is a direct result of their acceptance and support.”
Teddy recounts a recent experience in Nashville: “I walked past a club filled with young people, maybe 18 to 20 years old. When the band started playing ‘Dixieland Delight,’ the entire place erupted in song, singing every word. It made me smile, witnessing the enduring power of our songs. Some of those kids might not even know who ALABAMA is, but they knew the music. That’s a testament to a career spent creating songs that stand the test of time.”
“ALABAMA & Friends” offers everyone who appreciates their music a chance to celebrate their remarkable journey and enduring legacy once again. This album is more than just a tribute; it’s a reaffirmation of the timeless appeal of an “Alabama song” and the band that redefined country music.
