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)
Once Upon a Lifetime
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I looked in someone's eyes
And felt the fire burning in my heart
For the very first time
She was scared and young
And had never tasted love
So I took her by the hand
And a boy became a man
And once upon a lifetime
You hold the Queen of Hearts
And if you gamble on a diamond win
The dealin' starts
You stand to lose it all
As the cards begin to fall
And the lesson learned is hard
You're only dealt the Queen of Cards
Once upon a lifetime
So if you're taking chances, know the chance you take
A broken heart's a high price to pay
Foolish ways will make fools of the wise
And the best things seldom come along twice
Once upon a lifetime
You know that you've been blessed
When you hold your first born tenderly against your chest
And through the innocence you see
The value of a family
And you feel a special bond
That only comes along
Once upon a lifetime
So if you're taking chances, know the chance you take
A broken heart's a high price to pay
Foolish ways will make fools of the wise
And the best things seldom come along twice
And people only find love like yours and mine
Once upon a lifetime
Alabama's song "Once Upon a Lifetime" is a beautifully crafted love and life song that tells the story of the different types of love experiences that one can have during their lifetime. The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of the different emotions that one experiences when they fall in love for the first time, gamble on love, and become a parent.
The song begins with the story of how the singer fell in love for the first time. He was able to ignite the fire of love in the scared and young girl's heart. The second verse is a metaphorical representation of love as a game of cards. The singer suggests that if you want to win at love, you have to take a chance with it. However, you must also understand that losing is also part of the game. The choice to make that wager is ultimately up to the individual. The song ends on an optimistic note, speaking about the beauty of holding one's child for the first time and realizing the value of family.
The song emphasizes the importance of taking chances and seizing the opportunity to love people, whether romantically or platonically. It also highlights the consequences that come with choices and the importance of understanding the risks before taking action.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a lifetime
There was a time in my past that was incredibly special and significant.
I looked in someone's eyes
I connected with someone on a deep, emotional level.
And felt the fire burning in my heart
I experienced intense passion and desire for that person.
For the very first time
I had never felt that way before.
She was scared and young
The person I connected with was afraid and inexperienced.
And had never tasted love
They had never experienced love before.
So I took her by the hand
I offered comfort and guidance to help her feel more secure.
And a boy became a man
My experience transformed me into a more mature, responsible individual.
Once upon a lifetime
There was a time in my past that was incredibly special and significant.
You hold the Queen of Hearts
When you have someone incredibly valuable in your life.
And if you gamble on a diamond win
If you take a risk for an even greater reward.
The dealin' starts
The game begins.
You stand to lose it all
There is the possibility of losing everything.
As the cards begin to fall
As events unfold and fate takes over.
And the lesson learned is hard
The experience can be difficult and painful.
You're only dealt the Queen of Cards
Sometimes all you have is this one great opportunity.
Once upon a lifetime
There was a time in my past that was incredibly special and significant.
So if you're taking chances, know the chance you take
If you decide to take a risk, be aware of the potential outcome.
A broken heart's a high price to pay
The cost of failure can be incredibly painful.
Foolish ways will make fools of the wise
Irresponsible decisions can override intelligence and experience.
And the best things seldom come along twice
Great opportunities don't present themselves often.
You know that you've been blessed
I recognize how fortunate and grateful I am.
When you hold your first born tenderly against your chest
The moment when you first hold your newborn child can be incredibly emotional and meaningful.
And through the innocence you see
Through the eyes of their child, a parent can experience profound love and fulfillment.
The value of a family
The importance and significance of having a supportive, loving family.
And you feel a special bond
An unbreakable connection with those you love most.
That only comes along
Not easily found or replicated.
Once upon a lifetime
There was a time in my past that was incredibly special and significant.
And people only find love like yours and mine
The love between two people is unique and special.
Once upon a lifetime
There was a time in my past that was incredibly special and significant.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GARY BAKER, FRANK MYERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keeley Staples
When I was a little girl my dad would put this cassette on in his room and lay on his bed and listen to the whole album. He always sung his heart out to this one in particular, he told me to listen to my heart because true love comes once in a lifetime, but he was blessed twice. Once with his first marriage and the second was when he met my mother. This song will always have a place in my heart.
Rest Peacefully Dad.
Starr Beeler
What a beautiful story about your Dad ! ❤️🙏
Andy Hagg
The best country group of all time
Josh Wilson
My favorite song by alabama. This song speaks volumes of how the human heart deals with love
@christiessecret
Beautiful song.They dont make music like this anymore.
MMAFighter38
This is the way country music should sound
Dixie Cobb
Such a beautiful and emotional song. They truly dont make country like this imo but it might be because i grew up listening.
Jamie Ford
I absolutely love this song Randy voice is beautiful
TravelinBand747
I was in 7th grade, spring 1993 when this song was a hit. I loved the song “I’m in a Hurry” so I asked my mom for this album (American Pride) and she got it for me on CD. Great memories!
Shelia Burleson
Such talent. Love Alabama