For over 25 years, Randy Owen, the front man and lead vocalist of the group Alabama has just about done it all. Alabama signed a recording contract with RCA Records in 1980, launching a career that to date has resulted in 21 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, 42 number one singles and more than 60 million records sold. Alabama has received over 150 industry awards including 8 Country Music Association honors for "Entertainer of the Year", 2 Grammys, 2 People's Choice Awards and their very own star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."
For over 25 years, Randy Owen, the front man and lead vocalist of the group Alabama has just about done it all. Alabama signed a recording contract with RCA Records in 1980, launching a career that to date has resulted in 21 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, 42 number one singles and more than 60 million records sold. Alabama has received over 150 industry awards including 8 Country Music Association honors for "Entertainer of the Year", 2 Grammys, 2 People's Choice Awards and their very own star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." They were named the "Artist of the Decade" by the Academy of Country Music in 1989 and "Country Group of the Century" by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1999. In November 2005 Randy Owen and his Alabama Band mates received Country Music’s highest honor, being inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame. Alabama is one of the 20 best-selling acts of all time. In the U.S. alone, they have sold more albums than Eric Clapton or Bob Dylan.
Randy Owen has played a part in many different causes and charitable events throughout the years. His passion for helping others is evident through the types of causes he chooses to support. He has played an integral role in raising millions of dollars for schools, public service organizations, hospitals, youth ranches and scholarships through a myriad of events, most notably, Alabama’s June Jam. From 1982 through 1997, June Jam was one of the most widely known festivals across the country. Taking place in Alabama, of course, June Jam was a must play for artists from all genres of music.
Perhaps nothing touches Randy Owen’s heart quite like his 16 year commitment to the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Yet another cause near and dear to Randy started in 1989, when he was asked to address the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville following the death of Danny Thomas who was to be the seminar’s keynote speaker. Inspired by the dreams and determination of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital founder Thomas, Randy offered a challenge to those in attendance to accept Danny’s dream of eradicating childhood cancers and other catastrophic diseases. Randy delivered the message well. Country radio accepted the challenge.
“Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” was born. The national radiothon program is today the most successful radio fundraiser in history. Hundreds of Country Cares radio stations all over America support the efforts of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, having raised over 230 million dollars to date since Randy’s challenge in 1989.
The “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” program and radiothons have been embraced by the entire country music industry. Record labels, artists, artist management and others have joined hands and forces to fight the never ending battles of childhood cancer and other diseases. Many country artists followed Randy’s lead having given their names and time to Country Cares through recorded appeals, visits to the children at the hospital or call-ins to radiothons.
Songwriters are a special St. Jude ally. Like Randy Owen, who has penned such Alabama classics as “Feels So Right”, “Lady Down on Love”, “Mountain Music”, “My Homes in Alabama”, “Tennessee River”, “Dancin’ Shaggin’ On The Boulevard” “Face to Face” and others, nationally acclaimed Nashville songwriters have all been long time members of the St. Jude family. Each has given of their time, talents and money on numerous occasions in support of the hospital led by “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” founder Randy Owen.
Even after all of the immeasurable success that Randy Owen has obtained throughout his 25 year career, he is far from finished. In early 2007, Randy took his place as one of three judges on the USA Network’s Nashville Star. This was his first foray into weekly television. Nashville Star, viewed by an audience of three million plus each week, it has become a staple among the Nashville community, and country music fans across America. With his honest feedback and cut to the chase attitude, and caring heart, Randy helped many of the contestants find their voice in front of a national audience.
And now, for the first time in almost 4 years, Randy is hitting the road again, as a solo artist. With a brand new band and a rejuvenated enthusiasm for performing, Randy is back on stage again singing an array of his 25 years of hits. He will be touring nationwide beginning in the Spring 2007 with dates through the fall.
Randy Owen continues to enjoy what some might consider his legendary status as one of the founding members and lead vocalist of the Recording Industry Association of America Country Group of the Century. Perhaps in addition to the countless industry awards, #1 records and millions of recordings sold as a member of Alabama, Randy Owen finds an even greater and deeper satisfaction in his role as an ambassador of good will. Randy Owen’s talents now reach far beyond his humble roots and up bringing on Lookout Mountain near Adamsburg, Alabama where he and his family still live today to people and places all around the world, who have been touched by his words, his music and his giving back what God has given him.