Alabama teams up with Jamey Johnson for Birmingham concert

Country icons Alabama return home

The wait is almost over for country music fans in the Heart of Dixie. The legendary band Alabama just announced it will take over the brand-new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

This isn’t just another tour stop for the Fort Payne natives. After forming the band way back in 1969, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry have become symbols of Southern pride and musical success, and this show promises to be a true homecoming celebration.

The stars align for Birmingham

Alabama won’t be taking the stage alone. They are bringing a very special guest who knows a thing or two about representing the state, Jamey Johnson.

Johnson, a native of Enterprise, Alabama, is the perfect opener for this legendary act. His raw, traditional country sound blends perfectly with Alabama’s genre-defining style, making this a double-header that spans generations of country music history.

Alabama’s journey from Fort Payne

Before they became country music royalty, Alabama was just a group of cousins playing small-town shows. They started as a band called Wildcountry, playing covers in local bars and honing their craft.

Their hard work paid off in a big way. With more than 75 million records sold and over 40 No. 1 hits, the band from Fort Payne didn’t just find success, they completely reshaped what country music could sound like by adding rock guitars and pyrotechnics.

Songs that became anthems

You don’t need to be a die-hard country fan to know Alabama’s biggest hits. Songs like Song of the South and Mountain Music have been woven into the fabric of American life for decades.

Then there’s Dixieland Delight. What started as a simple love song turned into a stadium-shaking anthem at University of Alabama football games, proving their music has a power that goes far beyond the radio.

The renegades who changed Nashville

When Alabama first started gaining attention, they didn’t exactly fit the Nashville mold. Bassist Teddy Gentry once described them as renegades in sneakers and T-shirts, with long hair and a loud sound.

Country audiences weren’t sure what to make of them at first. But once they broke through, their success opened the door for countless other bands to bring a Southern rock edge to the country charts, changing the genre forever.

Fun fact: The band‘s first big break came from playing six nights a week at a bar called The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they lived on tips and dreams.

Meet the opener, Jamey Johnson

If you love country music that tells a real story, you already know Jamey Johnson. This Alabama native and former Marine has a gritty, no-frills voice that critics have compared to legends like George Jones.

His songs, like the heart-wrenching In Color and the hard-living High Cost of Living, have earned him Grammy nominations and a fiercely loyal fan base. He represents the best of traditional country, making him a perfect fit for this bill.

A songwriter unlike any other

Jamey Johnson isn’t just a great singer, he’s one of the most respected songwriters in Nashville. He’s written massive hits for other stars, including George Strait’s Give It Away.

In fact, his writing skills put him in an exclusive club. Johnson co-wrote George Strait’s “Give It Away,” which won Song of the Year at both the ACMs and CMAs in 2007, and he later won both ACM and CMA Song of the Year for his own “In Color” in 2009.

A brand-new venue debut

The May 9 concert will be a special night for another reason: it’s the first time Alabama has ever played the Coca-Cola Amphitheater. This $46 million venue just opened its doors in the summer of 2025 .

Located in Birmingham at 2350 15th Ave North, the amphitheater can hold about 9,300 fans. It gives concertgoers a chance to see their favorite artists in a state-of-the-art outdoor setting, and having Alabama there for their debut season is a huge get for the city.

Ticket details you need to know

If you want to be in the crowd for this historic night, you need to act fast. General tickets go on sale Friday, January 23, at 10 a.m. Central Time through LiveNation.com.

Prices are set at $39.50, $59.50, $79.50, and $99.50. If you want a head start, presales were available from January 21 through January 22 for fan club members.

A legacy that spans generations

Alabama’s influence didn’t stop when the 1980s ended. The band went on a farewell tour in the early 2000s but has returned to the stage many times since, proving their music is timeless.

They even released a new album called Southern Drawl in 2015. Whether they are playing for fans who saw them decades ago or introducing their music to a new generation, the energy is always electric.

Giving back to their home state

Alabama has always been there for its home state when it mattered most. In 2011, following a devastating tornado outbreak, they headlined the Bama Rising benefit concert in Birmingham.

The show raised around $2million for tornado relief efforts. It was a powerful reminder that these country stars are first and always Alabamians who love their community.

A permanent place in history

The accolades for this band are almost too many to count. Alabama is a proud member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

In 2019, they were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, where they also received the very first Lifetime Achievement Award. Their place in music history is not just secure, it’s legendary.

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The ultimate night of Southern music

When the sun goes down on May 9, the Coca-Cola Amphitheater will be filled with the sounds of home. From Alabama’s rock-infused classics to Jamey Johnson’s heartfelt storytelling, it will be a celebration of the Yellowhammer State’s massive contribution to country music.

This show is proof that the best country music still has deep roots in Alabama. With two generations of stars sharing one stage, it’s the kind of night that reminds us why we love this music in the first place.

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Which Alabama song are you hoping they play on May 9? Drop your favorite in the comments below, and don’t forget to hit that like button.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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