For over half a century, the story of ALABAMA has been synonymous with the evolution and global appeal of country music. Starting from humble beginnings in Fort Payne, Alabama, cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook embarked on a journey that would redefine the genre. Their initial summer gig at The Bowery bar in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, marked the starting point of an incredible ascent. After six years of relentless dedication, playing for tips and building a loyal fanbase through word-of-mouth, they secured a major label deal. What followed was nothing short of a revolution in country music.
ALABAMA wasn’t just another band; they were a phenomenon. Their unprecedented streak of 21 consecutive #1 singles remains a record unlikely to be broken across any musical genre. They injected country music with a fresh, youthful energy, undeniable sex appeal, and a rock-infused edge that broadened its audience and paved the way for future self-contained bands. Their journey has culminated in sales exceeding 73 million albums, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying their iconic status.
“ALABAMA & Friends” serves as a powerful testament to their formative summer at The Bowery and the enduring impact they’ve had on generations of country music artists. This tribute project gathers some of today’s biggest country stars, each offering their unique interpretation of classic Alabama Songs that have profoundly influenced their own musical paths. The diverse lineup and star power involved speak volumes about the vastness and depth of ALABAMA’s legacy. Artists such as Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and Trisha Yearwood contribute their renditions of timeless Alabama songs, showcasing the band’s far-reaching influence.
Randy Owen expresses his gratitude with genuine humility, “I thank God I’m here to see these great artists see fit to sing some of the songs we did.” Jeff Cook echoes this sentiment, adding, “It’s very much an honor that they’d take part in an ALABAMA tribute. We had a lot of fun working with them, and I think the finished product testifies to both the fun and the quality that went into it.”
While the songs selected for “ALABAMA & Friends” represent just a glimpse into the band’s extensive catalog, they underscore the essence of their enduring appeal. Teddy Gentry emphasizes, “More than anything, our longevity is a tribute to the hard work we did in selecting songs, because it’s the songs that people remember.” Indeed, Alabama songs have become ingrained in the fabric of country music history.
Among the featured tracks are some of the most memorable Alabama songs. “My Home’s In Alabama,” their breakthrough hit, introduced them to the world and remains an anthem of Southern pride. “Tennessee River,” their first chart-topping single, marked the beginning of their reign. “Old Flame” and “Love in the First Degree,” from their second RCA album, solidified their early success. “Lady Down On Love” exemplifies Randy Owen’s songwriting talent and the band’s signature harmonies. “The Closer You Get” came during their streak of 21 #1s, while “She And I” defined their mid-80s sound. “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go” and “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)” ushered in the 90s, a decade that saw them earn 29 more chart hits, including 22 reaching the Top 5. These Alabama songs are not just hits; they are milestones in country music history.
Adding to the project’s significance are two new tracks by ALABAMA themselves. These songs demonstrate the band’s ability to create music that is both undeniably classic and refreshingly relevant. They reunited with legendary producer Harold Shedd, who played a crucial role in their early success and went on to discover stars like Shania Twain and Toby Keith. Randy Owen recounts, “I suggested to Jeff and Teddy that Harold work with us on the new stuff, and they agreed. It was spine-tingling when he said yes. It’s a story-book episode in my life and in the career of ALABAMA to have Harold being on board and to see him as excited as we were after all these years.”
Harold Shedd reflects on the reunion, “We hadn’t worked together in years, but within a couple of hours we had some things that sounded like ALABAMA did in 1980. It was like ALABAMA reborn.” Teddy Gentry admits to the pressure of releasing new material, “I always worry about putting out anything new at this point, knowing it has to stand up to a pretty strong track record,” but he confidently asserts that the new songs meet that challenge. He describes “That’s How I Was Raised” as “right down the heart of the plate simple country song that showcases our harmonies,” and “All American” as “a song that says a lot of things that need to be said about our country.”
The “ALABAMA & Friends” project was born from the band’s 40th anniversary. Teddy explains, “We got to talking and said, ‘Let’s do some shows and play some of the places we haven’t played before, like the Ryman and the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.'” Jeff adds, “We kicked off the tour in Myrtle Beach and took our music back to our fans. We’ve all done enjoyable projects separately in the years since our last tour, but we all realize we’re stronger as a unit.” Randy concludes, “And then as we talked, we started talking about a CD project and maybe getting some other artists involved.”
Reflecting on their early days, Jeff says, “I don’t think we thought too far ahead. We were more concerned with paying our bills at the end of the week playing music.” The Bowery provided an opportunity to establish themselves beyond their local scene, where they had previously opened for acts like Bobby Bare. Teddy recalls, “We believed we had something pretty special from a vocal standpoint, and we were looking for the opportunity to prove it. There were a lot of times when we wondered whether we might be better off going back home and getting jobs, but we just kept rehearsing and writing songs, trying to get better and believing we could do it.”
Harold Shedd’s early impression of the band was pivotal. “I went to see them at The Bowery,” he recounts, “and the sound that these three guys could create together was just really something. I saw the crowd reacting to music they’d never heard before as though they had. They were doing some covers, but a lot of the ALABAMA show at the time was original material, including stuff that wound up on the first three albums we did together.”
ALABAMA’s impact extended beyond their music. Teddy notes, “We were renegades in sneakers and T-shirts. We had long hair and played loud and some of the country folks resisted us for a while. But then of course they did accept us and then after that, our success made it lots easier for other bands to try it in country music.” The inclusion of artists like Eli Young Band, Rascal Flatts, and Florida Georgia Line on “Alabama & Friends” – bands directly influenced by ALABAMA’s pioneering spirit – underscores this 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 named the RIAA’s Country Group of the Century. However, their true legacy lies in the hearts of their listeners. Randy shares an anecdote, “I was part of a benefit concert at the Ryman, and I look over there’s Jon Bon Jovi. He walked over and said hello and it turns out he likes our music.” Countless everyday fans also cherish their music. Jeff remarks, “A lot of fans will start a conversation with, ‘I don’t want to bother you,’ but what they don’t understand is that everything that’s happened to us, every one of those awards, happened because we’ve been accepted and supported by our fans.”
Teddy witnessed a moment that perfectly encapsulates the timeless appeal of Alabama songs. “I was in Nashville, walking by this club full of young people—I’m talking 18 or 20. The band started playing ‘Dixieland Delight’ and everybody in the place started singing and sang all the way through. I had to smile at the longevity of the songs. Maybe some of those kids didn’t even know who ALABAMA was, but they knew the music, and so I think that’s a tribute to the fact that we spent a career putting out good songs that stand the test of time.” “ALABAMA & Friends” offers everyone a chance to celebrate this remarkable achievement and the enduring legacy of Alabama songs once again.
