Alabama Celebrates 25 Years of 'LIVIN LOVIN' ROCKIN' and ROLLIN' with CD Box Set

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Sony BMG Legacy)- In commemoration of their 25th anniversary as recording artists and hitmakers, Country music's most beloved band, Alabama, dug deep into the archives to compile their first box set, LIVIN' LOVIN' ROCKIN' ROLLIN': THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION, which hit stores January 31.

This long-awaited RCA/Legacy collection provides fans with an intimate and comprehensive look at their favorite band and their amazing journey from down- home bar band to America's favorite country supergroup and current Country Music Hall Of Fame inductees. This triple-CD set offers an unprecedented range of material, from the original studio versions of 19 Number One hits, to eight previously unreleased tracks, and even a rare solo demo, "Ripperly O'Tucke," recorded in the 70's by Randy Owen.

Included with the set's 51 music tracks is a beautifully illustrated, 52- page color booklet of vintage photos documenting the band's rise from The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, where they got their auspicious start, to their undisputed place in music history as one of the hardest-working, most successful country bands of all time. Each page of the booklet features a meticulous timeline tracing the band's evolution from their debut in 1969 as Young Country through their first hit on RCA Records, "Tennessee River," in 1980, their numerous awards and platinum records, and finally their Madison Square Garden induction November 15, 2005, into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

The release of this set follows the band's expansive, two-year American Farewell Tour, which attracted more than half a million ticket holders in 2003-2004. Touring has always been a major part of Alabama's career.

The set was assembled by Owen and the rest of the band members, who specifically sequenced the collection so that each CD creates a specific mood. Signature hits like "My Home's In Alabama," "Mountain Music," and "Feels So Right" share space next to special live versions of favorites like "Dixieland Delight" and "Tennessee River." Each selection includes a detailed annotation about the song, including behind-the-scenes information about the many songwriters who contributed to Alabama's success through the years.

With sales in excess of 70 million, the RIAA's Country Group of the Century has certainly lived up to that accolade, and this box set captures the magic they have been making for over two decades. It is an appropriate commemoration for a group who has always - and will always - put their fans first.