Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine (AMG)

Before Alabama, bands were used mostly in supporting roles in country music. As recordings became available, nearly every popular recording artist was a vocalist, not a group. Alabama was the group that made country bands popular. Emerging in the late '70s, the band had roots in both country and rock; in fact, many of Alabama's musical concepts, particularly the idea of a performing band, was due more to rock & pop music than hardcore country. However, there is no denying that Alabama is a country band. The bandmembers' pop instincts may come from rock, but their harmonies, songwriting, and approach are entrenched in country. A sleek, country-rock sound made the group the most popular country group in history, selling more records than any other artist of the '80s and earning stacks of awards.