Before Alabama, bands were usually relegated to a supporting role in country music. Alabama was the group that made country bands popular again. Emerging in the late ’70s, the band had roots in both country and rock. However, there’s no denying that Alabama is a country band — the band members’ pop instincts may come from rock, but their harmonies, songwriting, and approach are indebted to 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. Alabama released its first RCA single, “Tennessee River,” late in 1980. Produced by Harold Shedd, the song began a remarkable streak of 21 Number Ones. Taken alone, the amount of chart-topping singles is proof of Alabama’s popularity, but the band also won numerous awards, had several multi-platinum albums, and crossed over to the pop charts nine times during the ’80s. In the ’90s, they were still having hit singles and gold and platinum albums with regularity. These days, they’re still rockin’ out and recording, releasing Southern Drawl in 2015. No other country group will be able to surpass the sweet success of Alabama. Great times guaranteed for all when this band comes to town.