11 songs about Alabama our readers love
From classic country tunes to new country hits and plenty of songs in-between, Alabama has gotten plenty of musical shout-outs over the years.
So with that in mind, our friends over at This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers what their favorite song about Alabama is, and just as we suspected, there’s plenty to choose from. (And no, we’re not just talking about “Sweet Home Alabama,” though that was certainly the most popular pick.)
You can see 11 of the songs mentioned by readers below, and you can see all the responses on the This is Alabama Facebook page.
American southern rock group, Lynyrd Skynyrd, performing at John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia, USA, 11th June 1977. Left to right: Ronnie Van Zant (1948 – 1977), Gary Rossington and Allen Collins (1952 – 1990). (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)Getty Images
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
We all saw this one coming, right? After all, it’s been 50 years since it first hit airwaves, but Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” is still a song that’s beloved and recognized all over the world. All you need to hear are those opening chords, and you’ll be singing along about Alabama’s blue skies whether you want to or not.
READ MORE: 50 years ago ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ was released. Here are 10 facts about the song
“Ala-Freakin-Bama” by Trace Adkins
Another popular song that gives a shout-out to our home state right there in the title is country singer Trace Adkins’ “Ala-Freakin-Bama”. The song even namedrops Talladega and makes more than on reference to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, so you know it’s beloved in Tuscaloosa — even if you don’t own a pair of Timberland boots or have a taste for Juicy Fruit gum.
“Stars In Alabama” by Jamey Johnson
In 2008, country music legend and Alabama native Jamey Johnson released “Stars in Alabama” about missing his hometown of Montgomery while being out on the road, and in the process, we all learned to appreciate our state’s night sky (and our mamas, for that matter) just a little bit more. Johnson makes plenty of other references to Alabama in his music, but this one seems to be a favorite for most.
READ MORE: Country music star opens up about sobriety
Hank Williams Jr. performs during Pepsi’s Rock The South Festival – Day 2 in Heritage Park on June 2, 2018 in Cullman, Alabama. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Rock the South Festival)Getty Images
“All in Alabama” by Hank Williams Jr.
Another classic tune about missing Alabama while traveling elsewhere is Hank Williams Jr.’s “All in Alabama,” which was released more than 40 years ago, but still is a favorite for a lot of folks throughout the state. In the song, Williams sings about just wanting to get back to his friends and family in Alabama. We’ve all been there, right?
“Stars Fell on Alabama” by by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
As far as classic songs that reference Alabama goes, it doesn’t get more iconic than “Stars Fell on Alabama,” which has been around since 1934 and at one time was even featured on the state’s license plates. While it has been recorded by dozens of artists, one of its most popular versions is by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
READ MORE: 10 classic rockers (besides Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young) whose songs mention Alabama
“Alabama Rain” by Jim Croce
In 1973, Jim Croce released “Alabama Rain” and young couples across the state suddenly had a song to call theirs. Its been 50 years since the song first released, but we like to think some of those couples still think of “Alabama Rain” as “their song”.
Alan Jackson performs onstage at The 56th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 09, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)WireImage,
“Midnight in Montgomery” by Alan Jackson
“Midnight in Montgomery,” released in 1991, by Alan Jackson isn’t just set in our state’s capital city of Montgomery — its lyrics center around Alabama native and country music legend Hank Williams as well as the legacy he left on the industry. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how it’d be a favorite among Alabamians.
“My Home’s in Alabama” by Alabama
With a song title like “My Home’s in Alabama,” released in 1980, is there really an explanation needed for how this song by Alabama made it on the list? As is the case with many of the other tunes that made this list, the song shares the message that no matter where the singer goes, they’d rather be back home in ‘bama.
READ MORE: The 10 greatest bands of all-time from Alabama
“Angel from Montgomery” by John Prine
When it comes to songs about Alabama, mentions of Montgomery seem to be pretty popular. Here’s another one that made the list — “Angel from Montgomery” by John Prine featuring Bonnie Raitt. Released in 1971, it has become a classic to many regardless of what part of Alabama (or the country, for that matter) you’re from.
READ MORE: John Prine’s Alabama influences
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit perform at Avondale Brewing Company in Birmingham, Ala., Friday, June 23, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)
“Alabama Pines” by Jason Isbell
Released in 2011, “Alabama Pines” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit is one of the more recent songs to make this list, but its subject matter of missing home in Alabama is one musicians have been singing about for decades. Of course, if you’ve been reading this list, you already knew that.
READ MORE: Jason Isbell and Brittany Howard reveal Alabama secrets of success
“Talladega” by Eric Church
Montgomery isn’t the only place in Alabama to make it into a song about Alabama. “Talladega” by Eric Church, released in 2014, shines a light on all the fun to be had at ‘Dega, from watching the fast cars go by to all the ways you can kill time in-between and more.