Alabama’s June Jam Makes Triumphant Return To Fort Payne

Alabama, Chapel Hart, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Mark Wills and Janie Fricke perform live at 2023 June Jam. Photo: Cooper Smith

The resurrection of Alabama‘s iconic June Jam this year was a big success, drawing nearly 11,000 fans to their hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama on June 3.

The return of the sold out festival, last held in 1997, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for future grants for those in need of disaster relief. Collectively through the years, June Jam has raised over 20 million dollars for worthy causes.

Alabama’s Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry remember bandmate Jeff Cook during public memorial service preceding June Jam. Photo: Cooper Smith

Held at the VFW Fairgrounds, this year’s jam featured performances by Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen (Richie McDonald, formerly of Lonestar; Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas; Larry Stewart of Restless Heart), Chapel Hart, The Isaacs, Worth The Wait, Exile, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, Home Free, Janie Fricke, The Malpass Brothers, Dee Jay Silver and a special appearance by Randy Travis.

“It was great to see the local community excited about the Jam again,” says Alabama’s Teddy Gentry. “It was a great event to bring back, once again, to help a few charities as well.”

The performance portion of June Jam was preceded by a public memorial service for the late Jeff Cook, who passed away last November following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s.

“I think Jeff would have been proud of having another Jam,” explains Gentry. “His celebration of life to kick things off was a wonderful time to reflect on all the good times we have shared over the years. We miss you.”

June Jam was created by Alabama and has brought some of the biggest names in country together for charity. The first June Jam benefit concert took place in 1982 and it continued annually for 16 years, making it one of the biggest country events in the nation. Performers in previous years include Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Alan Jackson, The Judds, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Wayne Newton, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson and many more.

Jake Owen performs at 2023 June Jam. Photo: Cooper Smith

Randy Travis, accompanied by wife Mary, makes special appearance at 2023 June Jam. Photo: Cooper Smith

Alabama’s Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen perform live for nearly 11,000 fans at the 2023 June Jam. Photo: Cooper Smith