On This Day in 1980, Alabama Re-Released the B-Side That Became Their Second Chart-Topper
On 29 August 1980, Alabama re-released “Why Lady Why” as the final single from their major-label debut, *My Home’s in Alabama*. Originally the B-side to “My Home’s in Alabama” on the group’s 1979 independent-label album, the newly reworked ballad became a major breakthrough, demonstrating that Alabama could succeed beyond their more upbeat, Southern rock-influenced material.
Producer Harold Shedd revised the earlier recording for RCA, which had signed Alabama after the band released three albums through smaller labels between 1976 and 1979. Written by bassist Teddy Gentry, the song concerns a man unable to forget a woman; Gentry said it was personal but declined to explain its inspiration. It became Alabama’s second of 21 consecutive number-one singles, a run that lasted until 1987.
- “Why Lady Why” became Alabama’s second consecutive number-one single.
- The song began life as a B-side on an independent release.
- Its success showcased Alabama’s strength as ballad performers.
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Alabama are a country music group from the southern United States. Before RCA signed them, they had released three albums on smaller labels; their first RCA album, My Home’s in Alabama, introduced the band to a much wider audience.
The group’s music combined country with rock influences, while also including slower ballads. Bassist Teddy Gentry wrote “Why Lady Why”, a song about a man who cannot forget a woman, and producer Harold Shedd revised its earlier recording for RCA.
The song’s success helped establish Alabama as a major country act and began a long run of chart-topping singles. It also showed the band could reach listeners with a ballad as well as with their more energetic songs.
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