The summer’s CMA Fest included a load of musical performances from each end of the fame spectrum. Newcomers made appearances, and country music stars did as well and often incited the best sense of nostalgia. One of those joyfully nostalgic moments was during Alabama’s surprise set at Nissan Stadium, broadcasted on ABC on Wednesday (July 19).
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The nine-time CMA Award-winning country group took the stage and busted out their classic hits “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” and their rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” The performance that seemingly excited fans and viewers both was when the band sang their most notable song, “Mountain Music.”
[RELATED: The Meaning Behind “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”]
Living members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry still bring energy. This was conveyed through Owen’s comical add-libbing and bluegrass screams in-between verses. Furthermore, Gentry gave memorable supporting base lines amidst the ear-piercing guitar solos and his raspy vocals.
After their performance, the surprises just kept piling up, as CMA co-host, Dierks Bentley came on stage and gifted Alabama one of the highest honors in country music: the CMA Pinnacle Award.
The CMA Pinnacle Award is one of the most distinguished accolades in the country genre. There have only been only three other artists to receive the highly regarded award, and that includes Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Kenny Chesney.
Upon receiving the award, Owen and Gentry became overwhelmed with emotion and exuberantly received the award. “On behalf of our late cousin, Mr. Jeff Cook, who we recently lost, on behalf of me and Teddy, the whole Alabama gang, thank y’all for letting us play for ya for over 50 years. We love you,” Owens stated from the stage.
To watch the band’s milestone moment and their performance of “Alabama,” look below.
Photo Credit: Nick Zimmer/CMA
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