Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook are cousins from Fort Payne, Ala. They played for six years before signing that contract about 40 years ago, according to their website.

Alabama hit No. 1 with 21 singles with well over 40 as they made their way to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their first No. 1 was "Tennessee River." Some other hits include "Love in the First Degree," "Feels So Right" and "I'm in a Hurry (and I Don't Know Why)."

In 2004, Alabama went on a farewell tour. Then in 2011, Brad Paisley brought them together for "Old Alabama." An outbreak of tornadoes hit the South soon after that. Owen, Gentry and Cook put together a benefit concert and raised more than $1 million.

Two years ago, Alabama and Friends had them recording their hits with current artists such as Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean.

Now after 14 years, they have released a new album, Southern Drawl. Cook said, "After taking our vacation, country music is not the same." Alabama does not forget anyone -- another song from the new album is "American Farmer." Owen sang with Alison Kraus on one of her albums and she now appears onAlabama's new album.

The group is on tour playing 25-30 shows.

Alabama has earned many awards, including Entertainer of the Year from both CMA and ACM and Artist of the Decade, and was named RIAA Country Group of the Century.

Thank you, Alabama, for more.

 

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