Alabama is an American country music band that originated in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969. The founding members include Randy Owen (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass and backing vocals). Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards) later joined the group, which initially performed under various names, including Young Country and Wildcountry, as they toured the Southeast bar circuit. In 1977, they adopted the name Alabama and secured a recording contract with RCA Records after the success of their early singles.

The band's breakout single, "Tennessee River," released in 1980, marked the beginning of a prolific period for Alabama. They went on to achieve a remarkable streak of 21 No. 1 singles on the country charts during the 1980s, including hits like "Love in the First Degree" (1981), "Mountain Music" (1982), and "Dixieland Delight" (1983). This era solidified their status as one of the leading acts in country music, and by the end of the decade, they had earned the title of Artist of the Decade from the Academy of Country Music.

Alabama's success continued into the 1990s, with further hits such as "I'm in a Hurry (and Don't Know Why)" (1992) and "Reckless" (1993). Over the course of their career, they released seven multi-platinum albums and received numerous prestigious awards. The band's music, characterized by a blend of traditional country, Southern rock, and elements from bluegrass and pop, appealed to a broad audience, contributing to their widespread popularity.

The group disbanded in the early 2000s after a farewell tour and the release of two inspirational albums. However, they reunited in 2010 for the Bama Rising benefit concert. In subsequent years, Alabama released new music, including the album Angels Among Us: Hymns and Gospel Favorites in 2014 and Southern Drawl in 2015. The current lineup remains comprised of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook.

Alabama has achieved significant commercial success, with over 75 million records sold, making them one of the best-selling bands in history. They are noted for having over 41 number-one country records on the Billboard charts, an accomplishment that underscores their influence in the genre. Additionally, AllMusic has credited the band with popularizing the concept of a country band, suggesting that their level of success may never be surpassed.

The band has received multiple honors throughout their career, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019, where they were presented with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Alabama continues to perform and record, maintaining a prominent place in the landscape of American country music.