Jason Aldean Honors Legendary Country Music Group, ALABAMA, With Performance Of ‘Love In The First Degree’

Jason Aldean delivered a heartfelt rendition of Alabama’s biggest crossover hit of 1981, “Love In the First Degree” on CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA, a star-studded special paying tribute to the incredible career of one of the most successful country groups of all time.

Prior to the show, which aired Thursday, August 15 exclusively on CMT, the Macon, GA native revealed he was “honored” for the chance to celebrate ALABAMA, who he considers to be one of his “biggest musical influences.”

Aldean stepped on stage and instantly ignited nostalgia with the mid-tempo tune with a vibrant country-pop beat that finds the singer pleading guilty to being in love. The “Try That In A Small Town” singer poured his soul out through the clever lyrics, fully taking on the emotions of the character at hand who is ready to leave his bachelor days behind him and take a gamble on love. 

“Baby, you left me defenseless/ I’ve only got one plea/ Lock me away inside of your love/ And throw away the key/ I’m guilty of love in the first degree,” he sings on the chorus. 

The song was penned by Jim Hurt and Tim DuBois and originally released as the third single from the band’s Feels So Right album. It earned Alabama their fifth straight No. 1 single and second multi-week No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also peaked at No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in early 1982. 

Jason Aldean joined a star-studded lineup of performers who appeared on CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA, including Blake Shelton ft. Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green, and Sam Hunt. These artists take the stage to deliver some of ALABAMA’s most legendary hits that still hold a grasp on fans today. 

In addition to all the memorable performances, legendary figures such as Evander Holyfield, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Vince Gill and more appeared both in-person and virtually to reminisce on personal stories from ALABAMA’s musical journey and their impact on the genre. Their sentimental memories were paired with rare photos, performance footage and interviews from the vault. 

Plus, viewers witnessed a new sit down with Alabama themselves as they reflected on their success that began over 50 years ago when Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen left the cotton farms of Fort Payne, Alabama to spend the summer playing music in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For six years they made their earnings through tip jars until finally landing major label deal and kickstarting their dreams. 

The group was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and will forever be known for hit songs like “Mountain Music,” “Roll On,” “Dixieland Delight” and “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band).” Even after losing co-founder Jeff Cook in November 2022 to a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, Alabama has carried on his legacy by continuing to tour on a limited basis.

Currently on their Roll On II North America Tour, presented by Kenworth, Alabama is next scheduled to perform in Stateline, NV on September 13.