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)
In The Garden
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
I'd stay in the garden with Him
'Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
The lyrics to Alabama's song In The Garden describe a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, as the singer spends time alone in a garden and hears the voice of the Son of God. The opening line sets the scene as a peaceful garden setting, and the dew on the roses indicates that it is early morning. As the singer listens, they hear the voice of Jesus and feel the presence of God. This brings a sense of joy that the singer has never known before.
The chorus repeats the idea that Jesus is walking and talking with the singer, and that this brings a sense of joy that is unparalleled. The second verse goes on to explain the beauty of Christ's voice, which is so sweet that even the birds are hushed by it. The melody that he gives to the singer is so beautiful that it resounds in their heart.
In the final verse, the singer expresses a desire to stay in the garden with Christ, even in the face of danger and turmoil. However, Christ bids them to go, and the singer notes that his voice is one of comfort and peace in the midst of sorrow. Overall, the lyrics describe a personal encounter with Jesus and the profound joy that comes from that.
Line by Line Meaning
I come to the garden alone
Alone, I seek God's presence.
While the dew is still on the roses
Early in the day, when the world is fresh and new.
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
I hear God's voice speaking to me.
The Son of God discloses
Jesus reveals Himself to me.
And He walks with me
Jesus is present with me, guiding me.
And He talks with me
Jesus communicates with me in a personal way.
And He tells me I am His own
Jesus assures me that I belong to Him.
And the joy we share as we tarry there
There is an indescribable joy in being with Jesus.
None other has ever known
This joy is unique and cannot be experienced elsewhere.
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Jesus' voice is so beautiful it quiets the birds.
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
The birds stop singing when Jesus speaks.
And the melody that He gave to me
Jesus has given me a melody in my heart.
Within my heart is ringing
The melody echoes within my soul.
I'd stay in the garden with Him
I wish to stay close to Jesus.
'Tho the night around me be falling
Even in darkness, I want to be near Jesus.
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
Jesus advises me to leave, despite my desire to stay.
His voice to me is calling
Jesus is speaking to me and calling me to take action.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GEORGE SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hannsstevenvillahermosa9217
In The Garden (Lyrics)
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The son of God discloses
And he walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
I'd stay in the garden with him
Though the night around me is falling
But he bids me go
Through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
And he walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
@7Kate7
I can't listen to this song without my eyes filling up with tears. Three years ago I lost my grandfather, he was 99. He was an atheist until 3 years before he died. One day he began singing this song and the Old Rugged Cross around his house. After YEARS of my mom, grandmother, and the rest of us praying for him, God saved him! His heart softened and he became a believer in the end. AMAZING. He was a very hardened man. WW2 Veteran who came from a pretty rough upbringing. The day he died there was a strong presence in the house. Everyone felt it, even our few non believer family members. My grandfather is in Heaven right now. Thank you Lord! In the end he was a totally changed man and we could all see it.
@JPDC624
Kate Timmons yay! Praise the Lord! Maybe he has met my mom, saved 3 months before she passed at 81!
@robbinwelch355
Amen AMENNNNN
@SoldierPoet
Amen!
@novascotia3678
아멘! Amen! Praise the Lord!
@joycebrower8822
Thank you for sharing from your heart this sweet memory! ❤
@j.r.dewyer7163
My mom just passed away a couple days ago. This was her favorite hymn. And AJ does it as well as I've ever heard. You can smile with tears runn down your cheeks whe Alan sings it 😊
@peteryoung5147
Look up Dwight’s version at Buck Owens funeral, very powerful. Sorry for your loss
@kathrynsypher9135
This has always been one of my favorite hymns. So sweet and comforting! Well done, Mr, Jackson!
@Alaneugenejacksonn
Thanks for the continuous love and support Kathy ❤️