Alabama (band) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alabama
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Alabama at Bayfest in Mobile, Alabama in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Young Country Wildcountry |
| Origin | Fort Payne, Alabama, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1969–2004, 2006–2007, 2010–present |
| Labels | GRT, MDJ, RCA Records, BMG Chrysalis |
| Members | Randy Owen Teddy Gentry Jeff Cook |
| Past members | Mark Herndon Jackie Owen Rick Scott Bennett Vartanian |
Alabama is a super famous American band that plays country and Southern rock music. They started way back in 1969 in a town called Fort Payne, Alabama. The band was formed by cousins Randy Owen (who sings lead and plays guitar) and Teddy Gentry (who plays bass and sings backup). Soon, another cousin, Jeff Cook, joined them. He played lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards.
At first, the group was called Wildcountry. They played in bars across the Southeast in the early 1970s. During this time, they also started writing their own songs. In 1977, they changed their name to Alabama. After two of their songs became popular, they got a record deal with RCA Records.
Becoming Music Superstars
Alabama's biggest success happened in the 1980s. During this time, they had over 27 songs that reached number one on the music charts. They also released seven albums that sold millions of copies. The band won many awards for their amazing music.
Their first song with RCA Records was "Tennessee River". This song started a streak of 21 number one hits in a row! Some of their other famous songs include "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).
Even though their popularity slowed down a little in the 1990s, they still made hit songs. They also continued to sell many albums. Alabama stopped performing together in 2004 after a farewell tour. But they got back together in 2010 and have been recording and touring around the world ever since!
Their Unique Sound
Alabama's music was special because it mixed traditional country music with Southern rock. They also added parts of bluegrass, folk, gospel, and pop music. This unique blend made their music popular with many different kinds of listeners.
The band also toured a lot and put on amazing shows. They used special lighting and stage designs, just like big rock concerts. Alabama has had over 41 number one country songs on the Billboard charts. They have sold more than 75 million records! This makes them the most successful band in country music history. Many people believe that no other country group will ever be as successful as Alabama.
In 2019, Alabama was welcomed into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. They also received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from this important institution.
Images for kids
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Alabama formed in Fort Payne, Alabama (seen here in 1999).
See Also
In Spanish: Alabama (banda) para niños
