Hey there, country music fans! Guess what? I’ve got some exciting news about the CMT Giants special that’s sure to get you all fired up.
Last winter, some of our favorite country stars—Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, and Luke Bryan—gathered to honor the legendary country group Alabama during a special taping of CMT Giants.
And now, we finally have an air date for this star-studded tribute!
Keep reading to find out!
Celebrating the Best in Country Music
Mark your calendars for August 15th at 8 PM ET because that’s when this two-hour TV extravaganza will hit your screens. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
CMT Giants has been showcasing the crème de la crème of country music since 2006.
Over the years, they’ve paid homage to icons like Vince Gill, Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers, and Alan Jackson. This year, it’s Alabama’s turn to bask in the spotlight.
The special was filmed at the beautiful Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville.
Nearly a dozen performers are set to take the stage, and while the full lineup and song list will be revealed closer to the air date, we do know that Old Dominion, Sam Hunt, and Jamey Johnson are among those who will be performing.
A Star-Studded Tribute
Those who witnessed the magic in January reported that Alabama watched from a special box before joining the stage.
It was an emotional night filled with heartfelt stories and unforgettable performances.
In addition to the musical tributes, fans can look forward to appearances—both in-person and virtual—from big names like Bryan, Lionel Richie, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, and even boxing legend Evander Holyfield.
They’ll be sharing personal stories about Alabama’s Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, and Teddy Gentry.
Remembering Jeff Cook
One bittersweet note in this celebration is the remembrance of Alabama’s guitarist Jeff Cook, who passed away at the age of 73 in November 2022 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Jeff Cook’s contributions to country music extended beyond his performances. He was an accomplished songwriter and producer, helping to shape the band’s iconic sound.
He was known for his versatile musicianship and played several instruments, contributing significantly to Alabama’s distinctive sound.
Throughout their career, Alabama garnered numerous awards, including multiple CMA, ACM, and Grammy Awards, and they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
In 2017, Cook revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination.
Despite his illness, he continued to perform with the band until it became too difficult.
Jeff Cook passed away on November 7, 2022, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering musician who helped elevate country music to new heights.
His spirit and contribution to country music will surely be honored in a heartfelt way during the special.
Alabama: Still Going Strong
Despite announcing a farewell tour a few years back, Alabama is back on the road in 2024!
They have 13 shows lined up, with dates stretching into November.
It’s incredible to see them still going strong, especially given Randy Owen’s health challenges in the past.
Owen himself shared some good news: “I’m 73 years old. I just had my tests and everything, and everything came back really good. I had my flu shot. So, I’m ready to go.”
So, get ready for a night of nostalgia, celebration, and pure country magic on August 15th.
CMT Giants: Alabama is going to be a night to remember!
Here’s a table summarizing key information about the Alabama band:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Band Name | Alabama |
| Formation Year | 1969 |
| Origin | Fort Payne, Alabama, USA |
| Genres | Country, Southern Rock, Bluegrass |
| Key Members | Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, vocals), Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, keyboards, vocals) |
| Past Members | Mark Herndon (drums) |
| Notable Hits | “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Song of the South,” “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree” |
| Awards | Multiple CMA, ACM, and Grammy Awards |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Country Music Hall of Fame (2005) |
| Albums Sold | Over 75 million records worldwide |
| Notable Tours | Farewell Tour (2003-2004), 50th Anniversary Tour (2019-2020), various tours spanning multiple decades |
| Legacy and Impact | Known for blending traditional country with Southern rock and pop, revolutionizing country music in the 1980s and 1990s |
| Website | Official Alabama Website |
About CMT Giants
CMT Giants is a television special produced by Country Music Television (CMT) that celebrates and honors the most influential and iconic figures in country music.
Since its inception in 2006, the series has paid tribute to legendary artists by showcasing their contributions to the genre through performances by contemporary stars, personal stories, and rare footage.
Each episode typically focuses on one artist or group, highlighting their career achievements, musical impact, and enduring legacy in the world of country music.
The event often features live performances, guest appearances, and heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians, friends, and family, making it a significant and memorable celebration of country music’s greatest giants.
Conclusion
- Don’t forget to tune in to CMT Giants: Alabama on August 15th at 8 PM ET for a night of unforgettable performances and heartfelt tributes.
- Join Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, and many more as they honor Alabama’s incredible legacy.
- Look forward to appearances from Old Dominion, Sam Hunt, Jamey Johnson, and special guests sharing stories and memories.
- The tribute will include a special remembrance of Jeff Cook, celebrating his contributions to country music.
- Despite health challenges, Alabama continues to inspire with its ongoing tour and Randy Owen’s positive health updates.
- This CMT Giants special promises to be an emotional and joyous celebration of one of country music’s most beloved bands.