Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce awards banquets are probably all pretty nice, but this one must’ve been more exciting than most.

During the Feb. 7 banquet, Alabama frontman Randy Owen and bassist Teddy Gentry announced the band will revive their beloved June Jam concert this year. The event is planned for June 3 at the Dekalb County VFW Fair Grounds in Fort Payne, the band’s hometown.

Country Hall of Famers, Alabama became superstars in the ‘80s by weaving roots, hooks, harmonies and charisma. The group notched more than 40 country number-one hits, including “Mountain Music,” “40 Hour Week,” “Feels So Right,” “Old Flame,” “The Closer You Get” and “Song of the South.” They also sold more than 73 million albums. During the 1980s, Alabama had 10 straight albums go platinum or multiplatinum, including iconic LPs like “The Closer You Get…” and “Roll On.”

In addition to Owen and Gentry, the band’s classic lineup featured guitarist/fiddler Jeff Cook and drummer Mark Herndon. The band parted ways with Herndon in the early 2000s. Cook, known for his vocal harmonies, double-neck guitar and “My Home’s In Alabama” solo, stepped away around 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease. In late 2022, Cook died at age 73. His passing shook the country community and beyond, with celebrities ranging from Oak Ridge Boys to Jason Isbell to ESPN personality Marty Smith posting fondly about Cook on social media.

On Feb. 7, Owen, Gentry and Cook’s widow Lisa Cook were at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce banquet to accept the V.I. Prewett Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the founder of a local hosiery manufacturing firm. That’s when Owen and Gentry announced June Jam’s return.

June Jam’s original run went from 1982 to 1997. In addition to Alabama, performers at past June Jams included the likes of Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, The Judds, Charley Pride, Steve Earle, Clint Black, Charlie Daniels Band and Glen Campbell.

According to Huntsville CBS affiliate WHNT-19, 2023 June Jam lineup and ticket info will be announced at a later date. The Fort Payne Times-Journal first reported Alabama’s plans to bring back June Jam.

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