Alabama | |
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&sq=&lang=&file=File:Alabama_at_Bayfest_2014.jpg) Alabama at Bayfest in Mobile, Alabama in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Young Country (1969–1972) Wildcountry (1972–1977) The Alabama Band (1977) |
| Origin | Fort Payne, Alabama, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1969–2004, 2006–2007, 2010–present |
| Labels | |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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| Website | www |
Alabama is an American country music band formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969. The band was founded by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals). They were soon joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards). First operating under the name Young Country and later Wildcountry, the group toured the Southeast bar circuit in the early 1970s, and began writing original songs. They changed their name to Alabama in 1977 and following the chart success of two singles, were approached by RCA Records for a recording deal.
Alabama's biggest success came in the 1980s, when the band had 27 country No. 1 hits, seven multi-platinum albums, and received numerous major awards. Alabama's first single on RCA Records, "Tennessee River", began a streak of 21 country No. 1 singles, including "Love in the First Degree" (1981), "Mountain Music" (1982), "Dixieland Delight" (1983), "If You're Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)" (1984) and "Song of the South" (1988). The band's popularity waned slightly in the 1990s, although they continued to produce hit singles and multi-platinum albums. Alabama disbanded in 2004 following a farewell tour and two albums of inspirational music, but reunited in 2010 and has continued to record and tour worldwide.
The band's blend of traditional country music and Southern rock combined with elements of bluegrass, folk and pop music gave it a crossover appeal that helped lead to their success. They also toured extensively and incorporated production elements such as lighting and sets inspired by rock concerts into their shows. The band has over 41 number-one country records on the Billboard charts to their credit and have sold over 75 million records, making them the most successful band in country music history.[3][4] AllMusic credited the band with popularizing the idea of a country band and wrote that "It's unlikely that any other country group will be able to surpass the success of Alabama."[5]
Alabama was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019 and was awarded the first-ever Life Time Achievement Award from this institution.[6]
They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2005.
- ^ Nicklawske, Mark (November 8, 2018). "Concert review: Alabama makes a little country music magic at Amsoil". Duluth News Tribune. ["More No. 1 hits followed, including "Love in the First Degree" and "The Closer You Get," two songs that define the sweet, modern pop-country Alabama sound."]
- ^ "Alabama sees songs stand test of time". Chicago Tribune. 21 July 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2019. ["The legendary Southern rock and bluegrass band formed in Fort Payne, Alabama...]
- ^ Estes, Cary (October 3, 2014). "Teddy Gentry of the group Alabama will sing his songs and tell stories behind them at Samford University". The Birmingham News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
- ^ "After 14 years, Alabama is back with 'Southern Drawl'". USA Today. July 27, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
- ^ Erlewine et al. 1997, p. 6.
- ^ "2019 Inductees". Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. Retrieved 13 November 2019.