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)
She Ain't Your Ordinary Girl
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She ain't your ordinary girl
She don't love carelessly that's what I've always heard
'Can't use the usual lines she measures every word
No empty promises proof is what it takes to win her heart
The truth and nothing less, simple things that set her far apart
Save your diamonds and your furs she's not your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary, no she's not
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary, oh no
She ain't your ordinary girl
No midnight alibis, no foolish games for her
And if you cross the line you'll get what you deserve
But when you see her smile nothing seems to matter anymore
And in a little while you'll feel like you've never felt before
Like no other in the world, she's not your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary, no she's not
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary, oh no
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
Save your diamonds and your furs, she ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
She ain't your ordinary
She ain't your ordinary girl
The song "She Ain't Your Ordinary Girl" by Alabama talks about a woman who is different from most women. The opening lines of the song make it clear that the woman in question doesn't love carelessly like most women. She is cautious in her approach to love and relationships, and is not swayed by empty promises or flattery. The song suggests that the woman is looking for something more from a man - something real and authentic.
The chorus of the song emphasizes that this woman is not ordinary. She is different from other women, and it's clear that she's not interested in the traditional trappings of wealth and luxury. The lyrics make it clear that she's not looking for diamonds and furs - she's looking for something deeper and more meaningful.
The song's message is clear: this woman is not like any other. She is unique, special, and requires a different kind of attention and approach from a man. Alabama's lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is strong, independent, and confident in what she wants from life and love.
Line by Line Meaning
She ain't your ordinary
She is not the typical or average girl that you may come across
She ain't your ordinary girl
She is not the usual kind of girl that you meet every day
She don't love carelessly that's what I've always heard
She does not give away her heart easily. She is cautious and does not fall in love easily
'Can't use the usual lines she measures every word
She is not easily impressed by cliches or flattery. She takes her time to understand a person and considers their words carefully
No empty promises proof is what it takes to win her heart
She needs to see actions and evidence of love rather than empty words or promises to be won over
The truth and nothing less, simple things that set her far apart
She values honesty and integrity over extravagant gestures or gifts. These qualities make her unique and stand out from others
Save your diamonds and your furs she's not your ordinary girl
Material possessions do not impress her. She cannot be won over by gifts or lavish displays of wealth
No midnight alibis, no foolish games for her
She is not interested in playing games or being lied to. She expects honesty and commitment from her partner
And if you cross the line you'll get what you deserve
She has clear boundaries and will not tolerate disrespect or mistreatment from her partner
But when you see her smile nothing seems to matter anymore
Her smile can light up a room and make everything else seem insignificant. She has a positive and infectious energy
And in a little while you'll feel like you've never felt before
Being with her can be a transformative experience. She can make a person feel emotions or sensations they have never felt before
Like no other in the world, she's not your ordinary girl
She is truly unique and special. There is no one else like her in the world
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Loggins, Don Schlitz, Lisa Miriam Silver
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..