Introduction:
Morning television often brings quirky moments, and today’s show was no exception. After tackling the amusing question of whether humans can breathe and swallow at the same time—apparently babies can, but adults cannot—the broadcast shifted to something far more meaningful: a celebration of one of country music’s most enduring bands.
It has been 40 years since a trio of young cousins from Fort Payne, Alabama, took a leap of faith and began singing together. Today, Alabama—made up of Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, and Teddy Gentry—stands as one of the most influential groups in country music history. Their timeless sound has shaped generations, and now, their classic songs are being reborn through Alabama and Friends, a project that brings new voices to old favorites.
Joining the show live via satellite, Randy Owen and Jeff Cook shared their excitement about the album. “It’s an opportunity for us to get some new blood doing our old songs,” they explained. Despite tight deadlines, the group was thrilled with the results, praising both the creativity and respect brought by today’s top artists. And this star-studded lineup is impressive: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, and Toby Keith, among others.
What surprised the band most was how eager these artists were to participate. “They wanted to do it,” Randy said with a smile. For a group that once wondered whether their music was being forgotten, this project served as powerful validation. Thanks to strong support from their management team, record label, and Toby Keith himself, the collaboration became something truly special. The album also allowed Alabama to record two new songs—an opportunity they cherished.
The interview then shifted to the story behind the tour name, Back to the Bowery. Forty years ago, the band left their everyday jobs and moved to Myrtle Beach to pursue music full time. Randy shared a humorous memory of convincing his university president to let him graduate in absentia because he already had a job lined up—working for tips in a bar. “So anyway, it worked out,” he laughed. Their humble beginnings at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach remain a foundational part of their story.
When asked which song fans request the most, Randy pointed to the iconic “Mountain Music,” a track that perfectly captures Alabama’s signature sound—fiddle-driven, foot-stomping, and unmistakably theirs. Though many fans cherish emotional classics like “Angels Among Us,” it is “Mountain Music” that continues to be the most frequently requested anthem at their shows.
As for when fans can expect their return to Alabama, the band confirmed upcoming dates: October 23rd and 24th. Their love for Birmingham and their home state remains strong. “We can’t wait to get back,” they said, closing with genuine warmth.
After four decades, Alabama continues to inspire, evolve, and connect. Their legacy lives on—not just through their own voices, but now through a new generation of artists honoring the sound that started it all.