Randy Owen spearheaded ‘Country Cares for Kids’
Randy Owen started Country Cares for St. Jude Kids three decades ago as a way to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which offers free medical care for children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. In 2019, Country Cares already raised more than $800 million.
“Randy Owen has rallied the country music community like no other for 30 years to make a tremendous difference in helping St. Jude fulfill its lifesaving mission for our patients and their families,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “He is proof that one person can make a remarkable difference in this world.
The Band Enjoyed A Hot Streak of No. 1 Singles
After “Tennessee River” was released in 1980 and hit No. 1, it started Alabama’s string of twenty-one consecutive No. 1 singles, a string that spanned from 1980 through 1987.
Bronze Statues of The Band Members Were Erected In Fort Payne, Alabama
In 2008, bronze statues honoring Alabama were unveiled in the band’s hometown of Fort Payne. Cook presented the bronze statues in a public ceremony. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by our hometown in such an elaborate way,” Cook said. “I want to personally express my gratitude to all the people involved in making this happen. Thank you, Fort Payne.”
They Are The Most Awarded Band In The History Of Country Music
With more than 200 awards from various organizations, Alabama is the most awarded band in the history of country music. The group won CMA’s prestigious Entertainer of the Year award for three consecutive years, from 1982 to 1984. They’ve also won ACM’s Entertainer of the Year award five times, among others.
The Band Was Credited For Popularizing The Country Band
Alabama has been credited by Michael McCall of The Encyclopedia of Country Music for “substantially broadening country’s audience while becoming one of the most popular acts in American musical history.”
AllMusic has also credited the band for popularizing the idea of a country band, saying that “It’s unlikely that any other country group will be able to surpass the success of Alabama.”
