Country group Alabama was honoured Sunday with an award that has previously gone to only three other acts.
The Country Music Association presented its Pinnacle Award to Alabama’s surviving members Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen on the final night of the 50th CMA Fest.
Created in 2005, the award recognizes “an artist or group who has undeniably redefined the pinnacle of success in the genre by achieving prominence through concert performances, consumption numbers, record sales and/or other significant industry achievements at levels unique for Country Music,” according to a release.
“They have also attained the highest degree of recognition within the broad expanse of music worldwide, and their talent and presence will have a long-term positive impact on the appreciation of Country Music for generations to come.”
The Pinnacle Award was first given to Garth Brooks and then to Taylor Swift in 2013 and Kenny Chesney in 2016.
Alabama’s Jeff Cook died last November at 73.
The group collected seven CMA Awards over the years, as well as 15 ACM Awards and a pair of Grammys. Alabama was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.