Alabama

Straight out of the Deep South, this country-rock outfit formed in 1969 and played gigs under a number of different names. It wasn't until 1977 that they landed their first recording contract and named themselves after their home state, Alabama. Offering crossover appeal to their radio-friendly audience with elements of Nashville and bluesgrass thrown into the pot, Alabama succeeded in making themselves popular with audiences that weren't at all attracted to the whiny twang of many country musicians. Alabama hit their stride in the early to mid '80s, delivering 41 hit singles over the next 15 years, arguably elevating their status to the most successful country group of all time.