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)
There's No Way
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want you to understand this love that that I feel
Is so right and so real I realize how lucky I am
And to you ever wonder if my love is true
There is something that I want to make clear with you
There's no way I could make it without you
There's no way that I'd even try
I know I wouldn't last a day, oh baby, there's no way
It means so much to me whenever I see that 'wanting me' look in your eyes
I don't know how I could do without holding you close every night
I've waited so long just to have you to hold
Now that I've got you, I'll never let go
There's no way I could make it without you
There's no way that I 'd even try
If I had to survive without you in my life
I know I wouldn't last a day, oh baby, there's no way
I never knew what to do, what I was missin'
Now you say forever, I find my heart is listenin', yes, I'm listenin'
There's no way I could make it without you
There's no way that I 'd even try
If I had to survive without you in my life
I know I wouldn't last a day, oh baby, there's no way
The song "There's No Way" by Alabama is a classic country love song about the singer's deep love and appreciation for his partner. The lyrics describe how the love that he feels is so strong, and that he realizes how lucky he is to have it in his life. The singer goes on to say that there's no way he could ever make it without his partner, that he wouldn't even try, and that he knows he wouldn't last a day without them in his life.
The singer emphasizes the importance of his relationship with his partner, describing the 'wanting me' look in their eyes and how holding them close every night means so much to him. He emphasizes that he never knew what he was missing until he met his partner, and now that he has them in his life, he will never let go.
Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to love and the importance of having someone special in your life. It speaks to the feeling of completeness that comes with finding true love, and the incredible impact that love can have on a person's life. The song's simple, heartfelt lyrics and touching melody have made it a beloved classic in the country music canon.
Line by Line Meaning
As I lay by your side and hold you tonight
I feel very lucky to be able to spend this moment with you and hold you close.
I want you to understand this love that that I feel
I want you to know how strongly I feel for you and how much I appreciate our relationship.
Is so right and so real I realize how lucky I am
Being in love with you feels natural to me and I feel fortunate to have you in my life.
And to you ever wonder if my love is true
If you have ever questioned my love for you, there is something important that I need to tell you.
There is something that I want to make clear with you
I need to be honest and upfront with you about something that is important to me.
There's no way I could make it without you
My life without you is unimaginable because you are such an important part of my happiness and survival.
There's no way that I'd even try
I wouldn't even consider trying to go on without you because of how much you mean to me.
If I had to survive without you in my life
The mere thought of attempting to live without you in my life is unbearable.
I know I wouldn't last a day, oh baby, there's no way
Without you to help me weather the storms of life, I wouldn't last long because you are my rock and my support system.
It means so much to me whenever I see that 'wanting me' look in your eyes
Your desire for me is deeply appreciated and sends a strong message of your love for me.
I don't know how I could do without holding you close every night
The physical and emotional connection we share keeps me grounded and fulfilled- I couldn't imagine not having that.
I've waited so long just to have you to hold
I have been searching for someone like you and finally having you in my life is a dream come true.
Now that I've got you, I'll never let go
You are too precious to let go of and I will cherish and protect our relationship always.
I never knew what to do, what I was missin'
Before I met you, I didn't know what true love was or what I had been missing out on.
Now you say forever, I find my heart is listenin', yes, I'm listenin'
When you talk about forever and I consider spending my life with you, my heart leaps with excitement and hope for our future together.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN JARRARD, LISA PALAS, WILL ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josh Holmes
The greatest country band in history, hands down.
Diane Libsack
Gdevening. I ,totally have in Agreeing Wirh u,Josh. Totally.šš¤ š¤ š¤ šµšµ
I Thnk So too. And ,They are the Coolest,štoo. Have That ,verry Specialšway about them. Their all 2gether,Awsum Sounding,Blended 2gether,Making them As One.Great,Awsum Band.that'll Be
Always Classy Guys,4ever,On. 4 many Generations.ššš¤ š¤ š¤ šµ
Doug Yawn
YEP !
Cory CG
Alabama made country music huge.
Silver 24
Josh Holmes I couldnāt of said it any better!
Dave W
What they called country today is not country at all anymore.
Mitzi Farkas
I will never get tired of the music I grew up listening to. I know the songs from the 80's had a big impact on the one's who needed the music to get pass trouble moment's and I am glad it was there for me.
Dr. Madd
To my mom and dad. This was their wedding song, last Valentineās Day I danced with my mother to this song. She cried on my shoulder thanking me and saying my dad would be proud. Bless all yāall that read this
Kc T
Hopefully God blesses you man, this song makes more sense now right?
Kimberly Dunnington
My heart