We all know Randy Owen as the lead singer of Alabama, the most thriving group in country music history. For more than two decades, the songs of Alabama had a massive impact on the genre – drawing listeners in different age groups, crossing over into pop radio, and doing the groundwork for groups to prosper on country radio.
Of course, such achievement would not have been accomplished without Owen’s remarkable talent. So, let’s get to know more about him today. Here are some facts about Randy Owen that you may not know yet.
1. He is a native of Alabama.
Born Randy Yeuell Owen on December 13, 1949, the country star was raised with his two younger sisters on a cotton farm near Adamsburg, Alabama, very close to Lookout Mountain.
2. He grew up in a house filled with music.
Owen said that music has always been a family affair. His parents, Gladstone and Martha Owen, were great musicians who instilled into their children a love for music. The Owen Family were also devout Christians, and church music impacted Owen early in his life.
3. He majored in English.
After graduating from Fort Payne High School, Owen enrolled at Jacksonville State University, where he studied works of literary greats. Outside the classroom, Owen spent his time penning song lyrics. He was also a member of college fraternities such as Pi Kappa Phi and Delta Epsilon Chapter.
4. He pursued music with his cousins.
Together with his cousins Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook, the trio formed a band called Wildcountry. They first performed in public during a high school talent show and went home with the grand prize.
After Owen finished college, he pursued a full-time music career. In 1980, their band – now named Alabama – landed a recording contract and quickly reached country superstardom.
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5. He took on some jobs.
Before and during the start of his music career, Randy took various jobs. This includes laying bricks, painting, farming, and hanging sheetrock.
6. He was honored by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A patient room in the hospital has actually been named after Owen. This is in honor of Owen’s tremendous help in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which offers free medical care to children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Owen actually started Country Cares for St. Jude Kids more than 30 years ago, a fund-raising in the country music community that has raised funds to help the hospital fulfill its life saving mission.
7. He stayed active as a solo act.
In 2002, Owen announced Alabama’s decision to part ways. Owen said the band has gotten exhausted after two decades of non-stop touring and recording. The group performed its final show in 2004. In the following years, Owen remained active as a solo artist.
8. He never forgot his roots.
Despite the stardom, Owen never strayed away from his roots. Even today, he lives in a Tudor-style mansion just down the road where he grew up. He also raises cattle like his father before him did.
Truly, these facts about Randy Owen prove that he is one amazing artist.
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