Legendary Randy Owen of Alabama To Be Honored with BMI Icon Award

Randy Owen, frontman of the legendary country group Alabama, will be honored with the BMI Icon Award during the upcoming 72nd Annual BMI Country Awards. 

BMI announced the news early Tuesday morning, revealing that Owen will be honored for his outstanding songwriting and substantial impact on Country music during the invitation-only event, which will be held on November 19 at BMI’s Nashville office. 

“Randy Owen’s impact on Country music is immeasurable and his songwriting has left an undeniable mark on the genre,” BMI’s Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley, said. “His talents have solidified Alabama as one of the most successful Country bands of all time and his memorable melodies and relatable lyrics continue to influence countless artists that follow in his footsteps. We are honored to present him with this year’s BMI Icon Award.”

Since joining BMI in 1974, Owen has received over 25 BMI Million-Air awards, the 2000 BMI President’s Award, and the BMI Country Song of the Year honor in 1989 for “Fallin’ Again.” With more than five decades in Country music, Owen has established himself as a significant figure, boasting 43 No. 1 singles and 80 million records sold. 

As a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, he has played a vital role in solidifying Alabama’s legendary status by co-writing at least half of the band’s iconic hits, including their first No. 1, “Tennessee River,” and numerous others like “Mountain Music,” “Song of the South,” “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down,” “Feels So Right,” and “Close Enough to Perfect.” 

Throughout their illustrious career, Alabama has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Musician’s Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. They have won 20 American Music Awards, 12 ACM Awards, two GRAMMY Awards, and were named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year three consecutive times. 

Owen’s influence extends beyond his work with Alabama, as other artists have also recorded his songs, showcasing the appeal and quality of his songwriting.

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The BMI Icon Award honors outstanding songwriters for their significant and lasting impact on music creators across generations. By receiving this award, Owen joins a remarkable roster of Country legends such as Matraca Berg, Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, and Hank Williams, Jr. He is also in the company of multi-genre songwriting royalty, including Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Brian Wilson, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Bo Diddley, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Van Morrison, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and many others.

Hosted by BMI’s President and CEO, Mike O’Neill alongside BMI’s Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley, the evening will also include the presentation of the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Song of the Year and Country Publisher of the Year. The top songwriters and music publishers responsible for this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in Country music will also be unveiled and celebrated.