Artist Of The Day: Alabama

Alabama first formed in 1969 under the name Wildcountry with cousins Randy Owen, Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry in Fort Payne, Alabama. The group brought drummer Mark Herndon on board in the late ‘70s.

They changed their name to Alabama in 1977 and recorded two Top 40 hits for the MDJ label before signing to RCA in 1980 and releasing “My Home’s In Alabama,” which featured the chart-topping hit title cut as well as “Tennessee River” and “Why Lady Why.” It was certified double platinum. Their sophomore album, “Feels So Right,” was certified quadruple platinum and contained the hits “Old Flame,” “Love in the First Degree” and the title cut.  “Mountain Music,” the band’s third album, was certified five times platinum and produced the hits “Take Me Down,” “Close Enough to Perfect” and the title cut. The band continued to release hit albums and singles throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, producing over 40 No. 1 hit singles.

With more than 73 million albums sold, Alabama has more No. 1 records than any band in country-music history and has sold more concert tickets than any other country group. Throughout their career, they have received more than 150 industry awards, and were named Country Group of the Century by the RIAA in 1999.

In 1998, the band was honored with its own star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2000, they were presented with the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award. The band announced their farewell tour during the Academy of Country Music awards in 2002, and spent most of 2003 saying good-bye to the fans.

In 2005, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The following year, they notched a No. 1 country album, “Songs of Inspiration.”

The band parted ways with drummer Mark Herndon in 2008 during a very public and nasty lawsuit. Randy Owen released his first solo album, “One on One” in 2008. Produced by John Rich, the project includes the single, “Like I Never Broke Her Heart.” Owen also released his autobiography, “Born Country,” named after an Alabama single that was released at the end of 1991.

Alabama returned to the studio in 2010 to record “Are You Sure Hank Done It That Way” as part of a Waylon Jennings tribute album. “The Music Inside – A Collaboration Dedicated To Waylon Jennings Vol. I,” which hit shelves in February 2011.

Alabama reunited at their benefit concert, “Bama Rising,” earlier this year to raise money for those hit by the tornados last April. All proceeds from their song “Raising Alabama” is going to the victims.

Alabama will host their annual Christmas For Kids event on Sunday at the Alabama Fan Club headquarters in Fort Payne, Alabama. The event will include an acoustic performance of Christmas songs and the distribution of gifts to those children in need.

Alabama will play the 2011 ACA Awards on December 5th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will be broadcast live on ABC.

Alabama will reunite for more than a dozen concerts in 2012, band members Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry have confirmed. The reunion shows come after Cook, Gentry and Randy Owen were featured on Brad Paisley’s No. 1 single, “Old Alabama.” The first date takes place February 28th at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Longtime drummer Mark Herndon will not be involved in the shows. The three founding members are also planning to record a new album.

Official Web site: www.thealabamaband.com