Introduction
Alabama – Golden Moments (CMT GIANTS Special)
In a night filled with emotion and nostalgia, the special program CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA took viewers on a journey through time to honor the legendary country band Alabama. The two-hour special was filmed at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville and officially aired on August 15, 2024.
The tribute featured a star-studded lineup of country music’s biggest names, all coming together to share heartfelt stories, pay tribute, and perform some of Alabama’s most iconic hits. Artists such as Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green, and Sam Hunt delivered stirring renditions of songs that defined Alabama’s legacy.
Adding a deeply personal touch were appearances by close friends of the band, including Lionel Richie, Evander Holyfield, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, and Vince Gill, who shared moving reflections and stories about Alabama’s powerful influence on the evolution of country music.
Even after decades, Alabama proved they haven’t lost their spark. Their live performance of the beloved classic “Mountain Music”—a song rooted in lead singer Randy Owen’s childhood in the Alabama mountains—was met with roaring applause and heartfelt admiration from the crowd.
A particularly emotional segment of the special was the tribute to Jeff Cook, the group’s co-founder, who passed away in 2022 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The two remaining members, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, shared touching memories of their longtime bandmate, honoring the deep bond and legacy they built together.
Fans of Alabama can relive this unforgettable tribute by streaming CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA on Paramount+, or by catching encore airings on CMT, MTV, and CMT Music throughout the broadcast month.