CMT Giants Tosses The Spotlight On Alabama
Alabama’s extraordinary impact on country music is being recognized during an upcoming CMT Giants television special.
Alabama was founded in 1969 and originally played under the name Wildcountry. They changed their name to Alabama in 1977.
The group experienced their highest level of success during the 1980s, when they earned over 27 number-one hits. In total, Alabama now has over 41 chart-topping songs to their name.
Some of their greatest hits include “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Love in the First Degree,” and “Song of the South.”
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The band’s lineup changed a few times over the years. But the lineup that was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 included Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Mark Herndon, and Randy Owen.
Alabama disbanded in 2004, but Cook, Gentry, and Owen reunited in 2010. Sadly, Cook died in 2022 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Owen and Gentry still perform as Alabama today, keeping Cook’s legacy alive.
Get All The Details About The Upcoming CMT Special, Including The Lineup
Now, CMT Giants is tossing the spotlight on Alabama to honor the role the band has played in shaping country music. The special was taped earlier this year, but CMT recently announced when fans can expect to watch the program on TV.
CMT Giants: Alabama will premiere on Thursday, August 15 at 8/7c on CMT. The special will feature a star-studded lineup of artists, some of which will perform covers of Alabama’s greatest songs.
The lineup of participants includes:
Alabama, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Evander Holyfield, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Lorrie Morgan, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Steve Wariner, and Vince Gill.
Previous CMT Giants specials have honored Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, and Hank Williams Jr.
Who are you most excited to watch perform during the CMT Giants special honoring Alabama? While you wait for August 15, enjoy one of the group’s iconic videos below.