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)
If You
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
That lead guitar is hot
But not for "Louisiana man"
So rosin up that bow for "faded love"
And let's all dance
If you're gonna play in Texas
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
I remember down in Houston
We were puttin' on a show
When a cowboy in the back stood up and yelled
"Cotton-Eyed Joe"
He said, "We love what you're doin'
Boys don't get us wrong
There's just somethin' missin' in your song"
If you're gonna play in Texas
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
That lead guitar is hot
But not for "Louisiana man"
So rosin up that bow for "faded love"
And let's all dance
If you're gonna play in Texas
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
So we dusted off our boots and put our cowboy hats on straight
Them Texans raised the roof when Jeff opened up his case
You say y'all all want to two-step, you say ya want to doe-si-doe
Well, here's a fiddlin' song before we go
If you're gonna play in Texas
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
That lead guitar is hot
But not for "Louisiana man"
So rosin up that bow for "faded love"
And let's all dance
If you're gonna play in Texas,
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
If you're gonna play in Texas
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
That lead guitar is hot
But not for "Louisiana man"
So rosin up that bow for "faded love"
And let's all dance
If you're gonna play in Texas
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
"If You" is a song by the popular country music band Alabama. The song is about how the singer feels he could do anything with the love and support of his partner. The song begins by establishing that the singer has the ability to "show the world how to smile" and "change the grey skies to blues," but he still feels limited without the love of his partner. He then goes on to declare that he could leave everything behind, including his friends, if he had the love of his partner. The singer believes that there is nothing he couldn't do with the support of his partner, including climbing mountains and traversing deserts.
The song highlights the transformative power of love and how it can give someone the strength to overcome any obstacles. The singer's confidence in his abilities is bolstered by the support and love of his partner, showcasing the importance of a supportive relationship.
Alabama's "If You" was released in 1984 and became a hit on the country charts, reaching number three. The song was written by John Jarrard and Lisa Palas; it was one of their five hit songs for the band. "If You" remains one of Alabama's most popular and beloved hits.
Line by Line Meaning
I could show the world how to smile
I am so happy and full of joy that I want to share it with everyone and teach them to smile too.
I could be glad all of the while
With you in my life, I would never have a reason to be sad or unhappy.
I could change the grey skies to blues
Even the dreariest days would become bright and cheerful if I had you with me.
If I had you
My happiness and ability to accomplish all of these things is directly tied to your presence in my life.
I could leave the old days behind
With you by my side, I would have no regrets or attachments to the past - a new life with you would be all I need.
Leave all my pals, I'd never mind
While I cherish my friends, the thought of leaving them in order to be with you doesn't bother me at all.
I could start my life all anew
Every day with you would feel like a fresh start, and I would be excited to experience it with you by my side.
I could climb the snow capped mountains
No challenge or obstacle would be too tough to conquer if I had your love to guide and support me.
Sail the mighty ocean wide
I would be brave enough to explore any part of the world as long as I had your unwavering love and companionship.
I could cross the burning desert
The most difficult and arduous journeys wouldn't seem daunting or impossible with you by my side.
If I had you by my side
All of my dreams and aspirations rely on having you in my life - you are my everything.
I could be a king, dear, uncrowned
With your love, I feel like royalty, and I don't need a crown or title to feel important or worthy of your love.
Humble or poor, rich or renowned
No matter my circumstances - whether I am rich or poor, famous or unknown - I know that I am complete with you by my side.
There is nothing I couldn't do
With your love, I have the strength, courage, and motivation to conquer all that life has to offer without hesitation or fear.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Danny Mitchell, Danny Joe Mitchell, Murry Kellum
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joey geoghegan
Glad to know we've still got people in this blessed country who listen to real music... COUNTRY MUSIC FOR LIFE
FullThrottle
I listen to rock and country. That's about all I listen to 🎶 🎵 🪕 🎼
Chris Beard
I'm 33 and I was raised on Johnny Cash, Randy Travis and so much more.
Beverly Watts
Yes true 👍
Claudia Heinowski
You bet 'Ya ! Claudia H.
Adam Beaner
I'm a rocker, but you can't deny Alabama... they rock
Thunder Heads410
Man, I love it in the morning when this song comes on and I am on the way to work. Alabama is the best band ever to crank out the jams and the hits. I loved this the first time I heard it decades ago. I love every Alabama song out there.
Rhonda Boncutter
I realize when this comes on drive too fast! Have seen them in concerts 5 times! Such a great concert! Dance sing and love music!
Rosiejade Sharp
Ko
Daniel94 ********
Your americans have it so Good… here in Germany theire dont come such nice music on the Radio
I only can say, god bless america !
That Germany is burning since years…