The band was founded by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals). They were soon joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards). First operating under the name Wild Country, the group toured the Southeast bar circuit in the early 1970s, and began writing original songs. They changed their name to Alabama in 1977 and following the chart success of two singles, were approached by RCA Nashville for a record deal.
Alabama's biggest success came in the 1980s, where the band had over 27 #1 hits, seven multi-platinum albums and received numerous awards. Alabama's first single on RCA Records, "Tennessee River", began a streak of 21 #1 singles, including "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). The band's popularity waned slightly in the 1990s although they continued to produce hit singles and multi-platinum album sales. Alabama disbanded in 2004 following a farewell tour and two albums of inspirational music but reunited in 2010 and have continued to record and tour worldwide.
Owen was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, but he was later given a clean bill of health, which led to the band's reunion, without Herndon. Following a series of tornadoes destroying homes and businesses throughout their state in 2011, Alabama assembled a benefit concert in Birmingham, called Bama Rising. Featuring the band's first set since 2004, alongside Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow and Brad Paisley, the concert raised $2.1 million. "I guess we realized that maybe we missed the playing ... and five or six years had gone by and we were like, 'Maybe that wasn't as bad as we remember it being,'" said Gentry. In celebration of the group's 40th anniversary, Alabama resumed touring in 2013 for the Back to the Bowery tour, referencing the Myrtle Beach club where they first became professional musicians. They also undertook a short cruise, The Alabama & Friends Festival at Sea, which left for the Bahamas on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl ship. In addition, the band released Alabama & Friends, a tribute album encompassing covers from newer artists such as Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line, in addition to two new tracks by Alabama.
The band released their first new studio album in 14 years, Southern Drawl, on September 18, 2015, via BMG Chrysalis. In 2016, Alabama was selected as one of 30 artists to perform on "Forever Country", a mash-up track of "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "On the Road Again", and "I Will Always Love You" that celebrates 50 years of the CMA Awards.
In April 2017, guitarist Jeff Cook announced in a video that he would reduce the number of shows for which he would be in attendance while the band was on tour, due to his struggle with Parkinson's. He had been diagnosed four years prior, and this was his first public announcement about his condition.
In August 2021, the band sold its interest in its recorded music rights catalog to Reservoir Media. Cook died from complications of Parkinson's disease on November 7, 2022.
The band's blend of traditional country music and Southern rock combined with elements of bluegrass, folk, gospel and pop music gave it a crossover appeal that helped lead to their success. They also toured extensively and incorporated production elements such as lighting and "sets" inspired by rock concerts into their shows.
Alabama was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019 and were awarded with the first ever Life Time Achievement Award from this institution.
The members of Alabama are:
- Randy Owen (lead vocals and rhythm guitar)
- Teddy Gentry (bass guitar and backing vocals)
Close Enough to Perfect
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And sometimes what she says, she says all wrong
But right or wrong she's there beside me
Like only a friend would be
And that's close enough to perfect for me
Now she's been known to wear her pants too tight
And drinking puts her out just like a light
And that's close enough to perfect for me
She kisses me each morning
And smiles her sleepy smile
And she don't have to say it
I can see it in her eyes
And don't you worry about my woman
Or what you think she ought to be
She's close enough to perfect for me
Sometimes she gets down and starts to cry
But then again a lady has a right
She's everything I ever wanted, she's all I'll ever need
She's close enough to perfect for me
She kisses me each morning
And smiles her sleepy smile
And she don't have to say it
I can see it in her eyes
Don't you worry about my woman
Or what you think she ought to be
She's close enough to perfect for me
Whoa, she's close enough to perfect for me
The lyrics of "Close Enough to Perfect" by Alabama convey a deep appreciation for the imperfections and quirks of a loved one. The song's opening lines describe a situation in which the singer's partner makes mistakes, but assures that such actions are inconsequential as she is always by his side like a true friend. The emphasis is on the connection and commitment between two people, despite any missteps or shortcomings.
The second verse of the song is a nostalgic description of the early stages of their relationship - the small things that define the warmth and tenderness of their love. It is not just a stereotypical 'perfect' partner with no flaws or traits that add character, but someone who is willing to make mistakes and learn from them. The lyrics emphasize that despite the difference in their personalities, the woman is all that the man needs. The final verse of the song convinces the listener that the woman, despite her occasional lapses, is all he wants in a partner. The punchline comes from the repeated phrase "close enough to perfect for me," which denotes that the woman is close enough to perfect as she is, and her flaws are endearing.
The song is relatable to many people all over the world as it encourages them to appreciate their loved ones for who they are instead of expecting perfection. It is a beautiful and heartwarming love song with a soulful tune that captures the essence of the message.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes her morning coffee's way too strong
Sometimes, her morning coffee is stronger than it should be.
And sometimes what she says, she says all wrong
Sometimes, she says things that aren't true or that she doesn't really mean.
But right or wrong she's there beside me
Regardless of whether she is right or wrong, she is always there for me.
Like only a friend would be
She is like a true friend who always supports me and stands by my side.
And that's close enough to perfect for me
Even though she may not always be perfect, she is still perfect for me.
Now she's been known to wear her pants too tight
Sometimes, she wears tight pants that may not be the most comfortable option.
And drinking puts her out just like a light
Sometimes, she may drink too much and fall asleep quickly.
Heaven know's she's not an angel, but she'd really like to be
She is not a perfect angel, but she strives to be the best version of herself.
She kisses me each morning
Every morning, she kisses me to show her love and affection for me.
And smiles her sleepy smile
She smiles her warm and contented smile, even in the morning when she's still sleepy.
And she don't have to say it
She doesn't have to verbally express her love for me because I can tell from her actions and demeanor.
I can see it in her eyes
I can perceive her love for me through the way she looks at me with her eyes.
Don't you worry about my woman
There is no need for anyone to worry about her because she is in good hands with me.
Or what you think she ought to be
I don't care what other people think she should be; I love and accept her for who she is.
Sometimes she gets down and starts to cry
Sometimes she becomes sad and starts to cry for various reasons.
But then again a lady has a right
She is entitled to her emotions and is allowed to express them openly.
She's everything I ever wanted, she's all I'll ever need
She is the perfect partner for me, and I don't need anything else in life.
Whoa, she's close enough to perfect for me
She may not be perfect, but she is the perfect partner for me and that is all that matters.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Carl Chambers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kimberly Bittner
on Carolina Mountain Dewe
Why would you put this one to show, when I made a video to it on u-tube.. This dosen't tell the story to the song I have loved for over 30 tears..