Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.
Recognizes Alabama with Year 2004 Career Achievement Award

Alabama’s Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon following their acceptance of the 2004 Country Radio Broadcasters Career Achievement Award in Nashville. Pictured with Gentry, Cook and Herndon are (L-R) RCA’s Butch Waugh, Joe Galante and Mike Wilson. Randy Owen did not attend the event due to his ongoing recovery from acute labyrnthitis and extreme vertigo.

March 3, 2004 NASHVILLE, TN

On Tuesday, March 2, 2004 Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB), presenters of the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS), honored RCA super group Alabama with the Country Radio Broadcasters Career Achievement Award as part of their annual Country Music DJ Hall of Fame ceremonies at Nashville's Renaissance Hotel.

The Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of Country music and Country radio.

Country music fans worldwide acknowledge Alabama as the genre's most distinguished group. Named Country Group of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America, Alabama has more number one records than any band in music history-first in line in front of pop phenomenon, The Beatles. It's impossible to quantify Alabama's impact-even the numbers, however great, fail to depict the role the group has played in the growth of the Country music format. Alabama was the first group in Country Music history to win the Country Music Association's "Entertainer of the Year" award and the only artist to be honored with this award for three consecutive years. They were "Entertainer of the Year" for five straight years for the Academy of Country Music. With 65-Million albums sold worldwide, they are one of the 20 best-selling acts of all time. In the U.S. alone, Alabama has sold more albums than Eric Clapton or Bob Dylan. They've outsold veteran rock bands like Chicago, Journey, Foreigner, Boston and The Doors.

Alabama has sold more concert tickets than any other Country artist. They have been recognized with more than 150 industry awards including their most recent nod at November's American Music Awards, where Alabama was named Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group (the group's 23rd AMA and the most ever won by any artist in any genre). Alabama has accumulated seventeen platinum and multi-platinum certifications representing upward sales of 70 Million units. Alabama is known for their commitment to their fans as much as for their musical accomplishments.

Throughout Alabama's remarkable career, the group has used its artistry to help promote a set of values which emphasizes a positive outlook on life, a strong work ethic, commitment to family and home, and a spirit of honesty, humility, and gratitude. The group has also used its celebrity to benefit humanity in countless ways including its annual June Jam in Ft. Payne, Al--raising millions of dollars over the years for charity. Lead singer Randy Owen continues his tireless campaign for St. Jude Cancer Center through his leadership role in "Country Cares."

In December, the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University recognized Alabama with the International Quality of Life Award. The University established this prestigious honor in 1994 in conjunction with the United Nations' International Year of the Family to honor people who have made significant contributions to the well being of individuals, family, and community locally and around the world. Honorees demonstrate a commitment to empowering people through both public policy and educational programs, and at the heart of their success lies a true concern for the human condition. Alabama joins past recipients such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of Capetown, South Africa, Millard Fuller, Founder and President of Habitat for Humanity, and Catherine Bertini, Executive Director United Nations World Food Program in receiving this honor.

Alabama is the seventh Country music artist to be recognized with the Artist Career Achievement Award. Joining them in this honor are Reba McEntire (2003), Sonny James (2002), Buck Owens (2000), Loretta Lynn (2000), Eddy Arnold (1999), and Chet Atkins (1998).

BNA recording artist Lonestar

Jeff Bates

As a customary tradition, various Country artists performed in tribute to the honoree as part of the ceremony. Participating 2004 RLG artists Lonestar and Jeff Bates each saluted Alabama with a selection of the group’s 42 #1 singles. Band members Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon each took turns during receiving their award to thank those in attendance for their years of support. The nearly 400 CRB attendees at the event were comprised mainly of country radio broadcasters, country music industry leaders and members of the media. Alabama lead vocalist Randy Owen did not attend the awards ceremony as he is still recovering from a severe bout of acute labyrinthitis and extreme vertigo. Teddy, Jeff and Mark accepted the award on Randy’s behalf.

In addition to the presentation of the Artist Career Achievement Award the Class of 2004 Country Music DJ Hall of Fame inductees were introduced. They are Jaybird Drennan, Bob Duchesne, Jerry King, Dr. Bruce Nelson and Uncle Don Rhea.

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