Alabama Concerts Setlist

Formed in Fort Payne, USA, Alabama is one of the pioneers of the country music genre in the United States. The band was founded by Randy Owen, lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and his cousin Teddy Gentry, bass and backing vocals. Another cousin later joined the group, Jeff Cook, lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards. Originally known as Wildcountry, they toured the Southeast's bar circuit in the early 1970s, crafting their own songs. Renaming themselves Alabama in 1977, they caught the attention of RCA Records after the success of two singles, leading to a recording deal.

Alabama reached their peak in the 1980s with over 27 country number-one hits and seven multi-platinum albums. Classics like "Tennessee River," "Love in the First Degree," and "Mountain Music" led their success. Despite a dip in the 1990s, they continued with hit singles and albums. Disbanding in 2004 but reuniting in 2010, Alabama's blend of country, Southern rock, and pop has made them one of the most successful bands in country music history, with over 75 million records sold. Inducted into both the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, their impact is enduring.

In 1972, the group officially became a band, adding drummer Bennett Vartanian and changing their name to Wildcountry. They got a job playing at the Canyon Land theme park near Fort Payne. They backed up famous singers like Jerry Wallace and Bobby Bare before doing their own hour-long dance show.

At RCA Records, The band had the freedom to make their own music choices. They released "Why Lady Why" despite objections from executives and trade publications. It became their second number one hit. They toured a lot, playing in small clubs and opening for bigger acts in large venues.

By the late 1980s, Alabama's album sales slowed down a lot, with only their big albums reaching gold status. Their popularity faded as more traditional-sounding artists like Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, and others took the spotlight.

After 14 years, Alabama released their new studio album, "Southern Drawl," in 2015 through BMG Chrysalis. In 2016, they were chosen as one of 30 artists to perform on "Forever Country," a mash-up track celebrating 50 years of the CMA Awards, blending "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "On the Road Again," and "I Will Always Love You."