Alabama (Band)

Alabama is an American country-rock band with 41 No. 1 hits and more than 65 million recordings sold one of the most successful bands of all time.

The grown on neighboring farms in rural Alabama cousins ​​Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry played music together since early childhood. Later they went their separate ways for a while and joined different bands. In high school, they met another cousin, Jeff Cook, who had also already gained his first musical experience, mastered several instruments and also worked as a disc jockey.

1969 closed your way to the band "Young Country" together. On one of her first appearances, the trio won a talent competition. Randy and Jeff were studying then, and Teddy was managing director of a carpet plot. The musical activities occurred in those years in the background. Only after completion of their studies, could step up their efforts again to a music career.

Getting Started

In 1972, named "Young Country" into " Wild Country ". At the same time a drummer was hired with Bennet Vartanian first time. It started having a hard time at which the band could only be maintained with difficulty by strenuous club appearances afloat. Your new drummer jumped off soon, and his successors did not last long by. Only in 1974 was found with Rick Scott, a drummer who has remained with the band for several years.

1977 was called in " Alabama " to. In the same year, a record contract was terminated at the GRT label. The first single, I Wanna Be with You Tonight, managed in short supply in the country top 100. Shortly thereafter, the record company went bankrupt. Alabama was still contractually bound to the label. It took another two years until the four musicians had enough money together to buy out the contract. Once again, gave up the drummer. Rick Scott was replaced by a native of Massachusetts Mark Herndon, who brought rock influences to the band and thus made ​​important contributions to a new, promising sound.

Career

With his own money in 1979 an album and the single I Wanna Come Over was produced. The independent MDJ label took over the sales. The single eventually moved up to No. 33 on the country charts. A year later made ​​it My Home 's in Alabama in the top 20th RCA was carefully these successes to Alabama and took it in 1980 under contract.

Thus began a unique event in the history of country music series of 21 consecutive number - one hits. Numerous stocks could also place in the pop charts. The first was in 1980, the single Tennessee River. In the same year followed Why Lady Why and 1981 Old Flame, Feels So Right and Love In The First Degree. The interrupted only by a Christmas single released except the order of the top hits lasted until 1987 and was continued in the nineties. Many of the songs were written by the group members themselves. In addition to the singles, the albums were successful. Virtually every publication reached gold or platinum status. In these years, the band was literally showered with awards. So you won three times in a row the coveted CMA Award " Entertainer of the Year ". It was chosen as the "Group of the Year" ( both instrumental and vocal) even more frequently.

The high chart positions could not be reached from the mid- nineties, although the band still reach several top 10 successes. Therefore reached the albums partly spectacular sales figures. Above all, as sampler Greatest Hits, Super Hits or For the Record - 41 Number 1 singles sold like hot cakes. A total of 41 number 1 hits has been made and sold over 65 million records. On October 16, 2003 Alabama took as part of their "American Farewell Tour " Farewell to the concert stage, but announced for the year 2013, a tour of the 40th stage anniversary. In 2008, the band had separated during a dispute by drummer Mark Herndon.

Discography ( albums)

Regular

  • 2007 - Songs of Inspiration, Vol.2
  • 2006 - Songs of Inspiration
  • 2003 - The American Farewell Tour
  • 2001 - When It All Goes South
  • 1999 - Twentieth Century
  • 1998 - Christmas Vol III
  • 1998 - Born Country
  • 1997 - Dancin 'On The Boulevard
  • 1996 - Christmas Volume II
  • 1995 - In Pictures
  • 1993 - Cheap Seats
  • 1992 - American Pride
  • 1990 - Pass It On Down
  • 1989 - Southern Star
  • 1988 - Alabama Live
  • 1986 - The Touch
  • 1985 - Christmas
  • 1985-40 Hour Week
  • 1984 - Roll On
  • 1984 - Alabama
  • 1983 - The Closer You Get
  • 1981 - Mountain Music
  • 1981 - Feels So Right
  • 1980 - My Home 's In Alabama

Compilations

  • 2008 - Playlist: The Very Best of Alabama
  • 2007-16 Biggest Hits
  • 2006 - Livin ' Lovin' Rockin ' Rollin': The 25th Anniversary Collection
  • 2005 - The Essential
  • 2004 - The Ultimate Alabama
  • 2003 - In The Mood: The Love Songs
  • 1998 - The Essential Alabama
  • 1998 - Super Hits Volume 2
  • 1998 - For The Record -41 Number One Hits
  • 1996 - Super Hits
  • 1994 - Greatest Hits Vol III
  • 1991 - Greatest Hits II
  • 1986 - Alabama 's Greatest Hits

The major awards

Pictures of Alabama (Band)

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