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.

First cousins Randy Owen (born December 14, 1949; lead vocal, rhythm guitar) and Teddy Gentry (born J.....MORE.....(full Alabama biography) ←