Img 0200 1 Scaled E1753069143433 Alabama, Alabamahistory, Bamabuzz, Familyfun, Fortpayne — Members of the band in a photo at the museum (Angel Spence / The Bama Buzz)

Fort Payne is the hometown of country music legends Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook. And it’s also home to a museum dedicated to the trio’s world-famous band.

At the Alabama Fan Club and Museum, visitors can explore decades of music history, awards, and memorabilia.

Here’s what you need to know before you schedule your next visit:

What: Alabama Fan Club and Museum
Where: 101 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Hours: Mon-Sat | 9AM-4:30PM | Sun 1PM-4:30PM
Website

Keep reading to learn more about Alabama + what you can expect to see at the museum.

The story of the band

Img 0174 Alabama, Alabamahistory, Bamabuzz, Familyfun, Fortpayne — The tour bus the band traveled in (Angel Spence/ The Bama Buzz)

Before they were country music legends, cousins Randy, Teddy and Jeff grew up playing music together in Fort Payne. In 1969, they formed a band called “Wildcountry.”

The band performed in local venues before heading to Myrtle Beach, where they built a fan base through performances at a bar called “The Bowery.”

In 1980, the band rebranded to “Alabama,” signed with RCA Records and released “Tennessee River,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

From there, the band continued to gain success, with chart-topping hits like “Dixieland Delight,” which is played at every Alabama home football game, and “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas.”

Alabama has sold over 75 million records, won numerous ACM and CMA Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Inside the museum

Img 0155 Alabama, Alabamahistory, Bamabuzz, Familyfun, Fortpayne — Outfits worn by the band (Angel Spence / The Bama Buzz)

The Alabama Fan Club and Museum offers a unique experience for fans and tourists. It showcases a collection of band memorabilia including:

Records
Stage outfits
Guitars
Personal items

The museum showcases an extensive collection of the band’s awards, childhood photos, and handwritten songs. Visitors can also view Randy Owen’s high school yearbook, signed autographs from celebrities, and behind-the-scenes photos from their tours and music videos.