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)
Why Lady Why
Alabama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I try, lady, try, but the feeling's too strong.
You stay on my mind. Feel just like a fool.
Why, lady, why, can't I get over you?
Why, lady, why? It was easy before.
I try, lady, try, but it ain't easy no more.
To be on my way would be the best thing to do.
Why, lady, why, can't I leave you alone?
I try, lady, try, but the feeling's too strong.
To be on my way would be the best thing to do.
Why, lady, why, can't I get over you?
The lyrics to Alabama's song "Why Lady Why" express the struggle of a man trying to move on from a past relationship, but finding it difficult to do so. The opening lines, "Why, lady, why, can't I leave you alone? I try, lady, try, but the feeling's too strong," reveal his frustration with himself for not being able to let go of his feelings for this woman. He admits that she stays on his mind and he feels foolish for not being able to move on.
As the song continues, the man reflects on how he used to find it easy to move on from past relationships, but now it's different with this woman. He recognizes that leaving would be the best thing for him, yet he still can't seem to shake his feelings for her. The repetition of the chorus, "Why, lady, why, can't I get over you?" emphasizes his struggle and the hold she has on him.
The lyrics showcase the common experience of struggling to let go of past relationships, even when it's clear they aren't healthy or beneficial anymore. The raw emotion in the lyrics and the vulnerability of admitting these feelings make the song relatable and timeless.
Line by Line Meaning
Why, lady, why, can't I leave you alone?
I am questioning myself why I can't stop thinking about you and move on with my life.
I try, lady, try, but the feeling's too strong.
I attempt to forget about you, but the emotions I have for you are overpowering.
You stay on my mind. Feel just like a fool.
You never leave my thoughts, and it makes me feel silly for not being able to let you go.
Why, lady, why, can't I get over you?
I still can't understand why I can't move on from you, even though I want to.
Why, lady, why? It was easy before.
I am wondering why it was simple to forget about you in the past, but now it's much more difficult.
I try, lady, try, but it ain't easy no more.
Even though I make an effort, it's no longer easy like it was before.
To be on my way would be the best thing to do.
It would be wise for me to move on and leave you in the past.
Why, lady, why, can't I get over you?
I still can't understand why I can't move on from you, even though I should.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TEDDY GENTRY, RICHARD SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gene Austin
A Luke Combs song has 100 million views and this masterpiece has under 500,000 views? Sums up the sad state of affairs today. Long live real country music and Alabama!!
Zach Popadopalis
Your right brother. I cringe when I hear these so called country artists. They took that fiddle and steel guitar out and what do you have. This music today
Charles Sikes
AMEN TO THAT!!!!
Riogi
Right on point, Gene. I agree with you all the way.
Cold Front Outdoors
Couldn’t have said it better. Today’s country music is absolute GARBAGE!! Haven’t listen to radio in years. Sirius channel 58 Prime County and Willies Roadhouse is all I tune into. Alabama is a modern day masterpiece and forever will be. Wish it was 1980’s again. Hate country music now days.
Michael Orum
Couldn’t agree with you more.
Ron Tucker
In 2020, this song still gets to me! When my wife and I were going through a difficult period, thus song is what kept me from just walking away!
John Freeman
I feel the same. I don't want to ever walk away from away from my ex wife even though she wanted a divorce. I'm at a loss on how to get her back.
Sarah D
I believe most of Alabama's first hits were their best. I saw them in person when Old Flame was popular in a small venue. I have loved them since.
Justice Harrison
Hello there Sarah nice meeting you here