Alabama (Canadian band)

Alabama was a Canadian band of the early 1970s. Band members were Buster Fykes,[1] Hector McLean, Rick Knight,[2] and Len Sembaluk.[3][4] The band performed a mix of Progressive Rock, cajun, country and soul music, including songs written by Fykes and Knight.[5]

History

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In 1973 Alabama released their only album, Close to Home, on Smile Records. In addition to the band members, the album was recorded with Al Cherney on fiddle, and Hagood Hardy on Vibraphone. The first released single, "Song of Love", appeared on the top 100 in the RPM Magazine chart, peaking at No. 26 in June that year.[6][7] A second single, "Highway Driving", was written by Fykes and Knight and was released through Maple Creek Music; it reached No. 42 in August 1973.[8][9][10] At the Juno Awards of 1974, "Highway Driving" was nominated for Canadian Country Single of the year in 1974; Alabama also received a nomination as Best Country Group.[11] Alabama disbanded in 1974.

Discography

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Albums

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Year Album
1973 Close to Home

Singles

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Year Single Chart Positions Album
CAN AC CAN CAN Country
1973 "Song of Love" 1 26 Close to Home
"Highway Driving" 29 42 19

References

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  1. ^ Delaney, Larry. "Ontario's Country Music Pioneers: Alabama". cmaontario.ca. CMA Ontario. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  2. ^ "Rick Knight". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  3. ^ "Len Sembaluk". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  4. ^ "Alabama". The Canadian Pop Encyclopedia. Jam!. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2008.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ "Alabama". AllMusic, Biography by John Bush
  6. ^ "RPM 100 Top Singles". RPM, June 9, 1973
  7. ^ "Alabama – Song Of Love". discogs.com. Discogs. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  8. ^ "RPM 100 Top Singles". RPM, August 18, 1973
  9. ^ "Winners of BMI Certificate". Billboard, May 17, 1975, page 56.
  10. ^ "Alabama - Highway Driving (1973, Canada)". youtube.com. YouTube. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  11. ^ "Juno Award Nominations Listed". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. March 9, 1974. p. 54. ISSN 0006-2510.
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