Before Alabama, bands were usually relegated to a supporting role in country music. In the first part of the century, bands were popular with audiences across the country, but as recordings became available, nearly every popular recording artist was a vocalist, not a group. Alabama was the group that made country bands popular again. Emerging in the late '70s, the band had roots in both country and rock; in fact, many of Alabama's musical concepts, particularly the idea of a performing band, owed more to rock and pop than hardcore country. However, there is no denying that Alabama is a country band -- the bandmembers' pop instincts may come from rock, but their harmonies, songwriting, and approach are indebted to country, particularly the Bakersfield sound of , bluegrass, and the sound of Nashville pop. A sleek country-rock sound made the group the most popular country group in history, selling more records than any other artist of the '80s and earning stacks of awards.
My full blooded Italian grandmother loved, Al Martino, Mario Lanza, and Alabama! That shows you how badass they are, even old italian granno had to listen up them lol.
I love Alabama and still the most humble real loving and down to earth people. Their new Fiddle player, Megan Mullins Owen is my daughter from another mother so I e been able to sit with her and Randy several times. He is such an amazing man. I feel honored to call him my friend
I saw Randy once in Gadsden. We were both stopped at a traffic light. When we made eye contact, and with my hand resting on top of my steering wheel I just gave him a grin and a thumbs up. He smiled and nodded and gave a slight wave in a way that made me think he was saying “thanks man and thanks for not making a big deal out of it”. What impressed me about that was he seemed so laid back plus he was driving an old Chevy…parts of the front left fender covered in rust. I don’t remember for certain but it may have been that time Toby Keith was playing at the Fuzzy Duck…or one of the times. I saw Toby at the Duck. I remember thinking “this guy is good”. He was good but he wasn’t in the same league with Alabama (just my opinion). I also Teddy once at a steak restaurant in Centre. I was on a date. Teddy walked in and walked up to the counter and said something to the cashier. She walked away and returned with a take out order. He paid for his food and walked out. I looked at my date and said “wasn’t that Teddy Gentry”. She said “yeah he comes here often…I’ve seen him several times”. And what floored me was everybody just acted like he was “just another ordinary customer”. All these guys were (are) loved and admired by millions but everybody around the area of Ft Payne knows them for who they really are…just good ‘ol country boys and they treat them with that same kind of respect. Those 2 simple encounters is what really drew me to Alabama’s music. I started listening to their music and buying it and playing it all the time. I’ve been a fan ever since.
notice that the drummer Mark Herndon was included in everything until it came time for money then the drummer was just hired help....they screwed him big time
This band deserves all the congratulations they received through the years, and many more! They really are the best ever. I am in their age group, and I will listen to their music forever. Love you all, and God bless🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
theresaoskins: Mamm, your words are so sincere. I hope they will read them someday. What wonderful people, performers, and just down to earth folks. Their kindness and generosity are unequaled.
I I thought my guitar with rosewood frettboard was unsuitable for country music. But Alabama convinced me that these guitars without pure maple fretboard are suitable for country music after all.
It was White Lake, NC for my husband. His family vacationed there and it was like going back in time. I didn't grow up around those type of vacation spots so when my hubs found out that I had never danced like they did or hung out just to have a great time, he started to teach me. So here we are 20 or so years later, best friends, laughing together when I mess up the steps lol.
Saw ya'll back in the 80's at the Fuzzy Duck in Attalla. Didn't know who you were at the time but really liked your soung. I was delayed entry / Army and about to head out to Basic Training so imagine my surprise looking up while on CQ duty and saw Alabama performing on the Ralph Emery show. Just a great, great memory for me to have seen you before you jumped on your star.
I found them and heard them the first time in the northern Italian region of Italy where I was born and raised and fell in love with country music. It did not matter to me to be alone listening to it because it was relaxing and full of meaning and always touched my heart. Angela Italy
