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're Gonna Play in Texas
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
The lyrics of Alabama's "If You're Gonna Play in Texas" are a tribute to the state of Texas and its love for fiddle music. The song is an upbeat, catchy tune that emphasizes the importance of a fiddle in a band playing in Texas. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, making it clear that a fiddle is a must-have for any band looking to be successful in this state.
The second verse recounts a specific experience the band had while performing in Houston, where a cowboy in the audience requested they play "Cotton-Eyed Joe," a song with deep roots in Texas fiddle music. The chorus follows, reiterating the importance of the fiddle in Texan music culture and encouraging everyone to join in the dance.
The final verse drives home the message of the song, with the band putting on their cowboy hats and playing a fiddlin' tune that gets the Texans on their feet, ready to dance the night away. Overall, the lyrics of "If You're Gonna Play in Texas" pay homage to the state's rich musical heritage while also celebrating the joy and energy of Texan culture.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're gonna play in Texas,
In order to be successful in Texas, in terms of music, there is a certain requirement that must be met.
You gotta have a fiddle in the band
Having a fiddle in the band is a crucial and necessary component to be accepted by the Texas music scene.
That lead guitar is hot,
Although having a talented guitar player is desirable, it's not enough on its own to succeed in Texas.
But not for "Louisiana man"
Playing a lead guitar is acceptable in Louisiana, but it's not the norm for the Texas scene.
So rosin up that bow for "faded love"
Get ready to play the song "Faded Love" on the fiddle with some extra rosin on the bow.
And let's all dance
Let's all get together and have some fun dancing to the music.
I remember down in Houston
This is a memory of a past experience performing in Houston.
We were puttin' on a show
We were performing for an audience.
When a cowboy in the back stood up and yelled,
During the performance, a cowboy in the back of the audience spoke out.
"Cotton-Eyed Joe"!
The cowboy requested the song "Cotton-Eyed Joe".
He said, "we love what you're doin'
Although the cowboy had a request, he still enjoyed the performance.
Boys don't get us wrong,
The cowboy does not want to sound unappreciative or negative towards the band.
There's just somethin' missin' in your song
The cowboy believes that the band is missing a certain element in their music.
So we dusted off our boots and put our cowboy hats on straight
The band got ready and prepared to change their performance to meet the cowboy's expectations.
Them Texans raised the roof when Jeff opened up his case
When Jeff started playing his fiddle, the Texans in the audience got really excited and enthusiastic.
You say y'all all want to two-step, you say ya want to doe-si-doe
The band understands that the Texans want to do a specific type of dance.
Well, here's a fiddlin' song before we go
The band plays a song on their fiddle before concluding their performance, attempting to satisfy the Texas crowd.
Lyrics ยฉ 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 ๐ถ ๐ต ๐ช ๐ผ
Chris Beard
I'm 33 and I was raised on Johnny Cash, Randy Travis and so much more.
Beverly Watts
Yes true ๐
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 Goodโฆ here in Germany theire dont come such nice music on the Radio
I only can say, god bless america !
That Germany is burning since yearsโฆ