Alabama Reflects On Receiving Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award At Nashville Songwriters Awards

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Jason Aldean, Randy Owen, Lisa Kristofferson and Kelly Owen. Photo: Tom Turk

Alabama was presented with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the the eighth Annual Nashville Songwriters Awards at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 23.

The award was presented to Alabama’s Randy Owen by Lisa Kristofferson, who attended in honor of her late husband, and band members Owen and Teddy Gentry (who was unable to attend because of illness) recently took some time to reflect on the prestigious honor.

“I have always thought of myself as a songwriter first and am so honored and pleased to receive the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award from the NSAI,” says Owen. “Kris was one of my icons. I want to thank Lisa Kristofferson for making the trip from Hawaii to Nashville to present the award to Alabama. And thanks for the wonderful performances by Jason Aldean, Lorrie Morgan and Gordon Mote who all honored us with our songs.”

“This award was a lifetime wish for me,” adds Gentry. “As a songwriter, musician and singer, being honored for our contributions as songwriters is the most welcome accomplishment in my world. The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award from NSAI means more to me than I can put into words.”

“NSAI’s pinnacle Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor bestowed on songwriters that exemplify a revolutionary, creative spirit, intelligence, integrity and musical and literary excellence over the span of their expansive careers,” shares Lisa Kristofferson. “Alabama’s genre-rocking style and musical brilliance fits this award like a glove. Welcoming Randy Owen and his lovely, lifelong wife Kelly, to the hallowed Ryman stage on behalf of Alabama was a magical moment I will always cherish. So deserving. Bravo Alabama for all the beautiful songs that have sweetened our lives forever.”

Alabama is currently performing nationally on their “Live In Concert 25 Tour” with seven more dates scheduled before the year’s end.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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