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)
The Night Before Christmas
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Galore
Everyone's happy and I'm happy, too
Oh, what a night, oh, what a night, night before Christmas I had with you
Frost on the window, snow on the ground, holiday spirit, holiday sounds
Everyone's thankful and I'm thankful, too
Oh, what a night, oh, what a night, night before Christmas I had with you
It all started underneath that mistletoe when we were waiting up just to help
Ole Santa Claus
We were making merry in ways we'd never thought of when we heard those sleigh
Bells and ole Santa almost caught us
We didn't take no pictures, but I still remember one very special
Twenty-fourth day of December
Oh, what a night, oh, what a night, night before Christmas I had with you
It all started underneath that mistletoe while we were waiting up to help ole
Santa clause
We were making merry in ways we'd never thought of when we heard those sleigh
Bells and ole Santa almost caught us
If we don't do this next year, honey, I'm sure gonna miss it
Why don't we make it a new yuletide tradition
Oh, what a night, oh, what a night, night before Christmas I had with you
Oh, what a night, oh, what a night, night before Christmas I had with you
The song "The Night Before Christmas" by Alabama speaks of a wonderful Christmas celebration - filled with presents, joy, and holiday spirit. The singer reflects on the blissful memories of the night before Christmas spent with their loved one. The song begins with describing the aftermath of opening gifts, as ribbons and paper cover the floor. The singer states that everyone is happy, and they are happy too as they reminisce on the magical night that they shared with their partner. The second verse continues to describe the winter elements associated with Christmas: frost on the window and snow on the ground. The singer expresses gratitude for the holiday season and once again reflects on the perfect night they shared with their partner.
The song takes on a more intimate tone in the following verse as it suggests that the night before Christmas was spent enjoying each other's company. The lyrics furthermore elaborate that while they were waiting up to help Santa Claus, they spent the evening underneath the mistletoe and indulged in new forms of merriment. The last verse concludes with a longing to continue the tradition of spending the night before Christmas with their loved one.
The song by Alabama offers a lovely tribute to the magic of the night before Christmas and the essential role of loved ones in making it memorable. The lyrics express gratitude, happiness, and the joy of love, making it a heartwarming and classic holiday tune.
Line by Line Meaning
Ribbons and paper cover the floor, it's been a great Christmas with presents Galore
The room is a mess with gift wrap, but it has been an amazing Christmas with plenty of presents for everyone.
Everyone's happy and I'm happy, too
Everyone is joyous and cheerful, and I am equally happy.
Oh, what a night, oh, what a night, night before Christmas I had with you
The night before Christmas was unforgettable and filled with happiness because I shared it with you.
Frost on the window, snow on the ground, holiday spirit, holiday sounds
The winter season has brought about a festive atmosphere with snow, frost and the sounds that accompany holiday celebrations.
Everyone's thankful and I'm thankful, too
Everyone is grateful and appreciative, and I share the same sentiments.
It all started underneath that mistletoe when we were waiting up just to help Ole Santa Claus
The evening began when we were waiting under the mistletoe, anticipating and willing to assist Santa Claus.
We were making merry in ways we'd never thought of when we heard those sleigh Bells and ole Santa almost caught us
We were celebrating in ways we had never imagined, and our festive cheer almost led to us being caught by Santa Claus.
We didn't take no pictures, but I still remember one very special Twenty-fourth day of December
We did not capture any photographs, but I will always recall that particular Christmas Eve as it was exceptional and memorable.
If we don't do this next year, honey, I'm sure gonna miss it Why don't we make it a new yuletide tradition
I would regret not repeating the same festivities next year, and propose establishing it as a new holiday tradition.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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..