In an exclusive and warmly personal interview held at Borders Books in Taylor, Michigan, Randy Owen, the unmistakable voice behind the legendary country band Alabama, opened up about his life, his music, and the lasting values that have kept him grounded through more than five decades in the spotlight. The event wasn’t a flashy press tour — it felt more like sitting down with an old friend, one who just happened to have helped define the sound of American country music.Randy spoke candidly about Alabama’s early years, recalling how he, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook began by playing local gigs under the name Wildcountry, long before they would become household names. Their breakout hit, “Tennessee River,” in 1980, marked the start of a record-breaking run — over 40 No. 1 singles, multiple Entertainer of the Year awards, and more than 75 million records sold.
But Randy, with his calm demeanor and soft Southern drawl, made it clear that fame was never the goal.
“We just wanted to make music that felt like home,” he said. “Music that told the truth.”The conversation turned personal as Randy shared stories of his upbringing in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he was raised on a farm with a deep respect for faith, hard work, and family. These roots, he said, never left him — even as the band toured the world. He spoke about how those values shaped hits like “Mountain Music,” “Song of the South,” and “Angels Among Us,” and how he still lives on that same land today, raising cattle and supporting educational programs across the state.
Randy also touched on his close friendship with the late Jeff Cook, whose passing in 2022 marked the end of an era. His voice softened as he described Jeff not just as a bandmate, but a brother.Throughout the interview, it became clear that what keeps Randy Owen going isn’t nostalgia — it’s purpose. Whether performing for packed arenas or speaking to a small crowd in a bookstore, Randy carries with him a commitment to authenticity. His music has always spoken to working people, families, and those who find strength in simple truths.
“We never tried to be anything we weren’t. And maybe that’s why people stayed with us.”
This rare interview wasn’t about chart positions or celebrity — it was a portrait of a man who never stopped being the boy from Alabama. Randy Owenhumility, loyalty, and the quiet power of staying true to your roots.
And in Taylor, MI, on that simple stage at Borders, fans saw not just the legend — but the heart behind the harmony.