Introduction
“Rooted in the Land”: The Humble Country Life of Alabama’s Teddy Gentry & Randy Owen
Long before the spotlight, the sold-out tours, and the chart-topping hits, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen were simply two boys growing up in the hills of Fort Payne, Alabama — and farming wasn’t just a way of life, it was their identity.
“We were farmers before we were artists,” Teddy once said during an interview reflecting on the early days. That sentiment still rings true today, even after decades of success with the legendary country band Alabama. For both Gentry and Owen, fame never disconnected them from their roots. Instead, it deepened their appreciation for hard work, family, and the Southern soil that raised them.
Randy Owen still lives on the same Lookout Mountain property where he was born. His family farm — over 3,000 acres of cattle, crops, and memories — remains central to his daily life. He’s often spotted feeding the cows at sunrise or walking the fields, boots caked in red clay. Despite having performed on the biggest stages in the world, Owen has always said he finds the most peace “in a quiet morning with the cattle and the hills.”
Teddy Gentry shares that love for the land. In fact, he once used his music royalties to purchase a small cattle farm, now known as Bent Tree Farms, where he’s raised award-winning stock. “Music gave me the chance to get back to where I came from,” he once said. “And I’ve never wanted to leave it.”
Their grounded lifestyle has not only influenced their music — steeped in stories of Southern life, family, and hard work — but also inspired generations of country fans who see in them a rare authenticity. While Alabama may have sold over 75 million records, their greatest legacy might be the reminder that staying true to your roots is the real success.
In a world that often chases glitz and glamour, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen stand as quiet proof that the heart of country music still beats strongest on the farm.