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Headliner announced for American Legion World Series 7th Inning Stretch Festival
Randy Owen will entertain during the 7th Inning Stretch Festival. Photo provided

National American Legion officials and the local American Legion World Series (ALWS) committee announced today that the legendary Randy Owen of Alabama will headline the evening entertainment at the 6th Annual 7th Inning Stretch Festival on Saturday, Aug. 11, in uptown Shelby. The concert is free of charge.

In addition to lead vocals, Owen is a songwriter and guitarist. His songs include "Tennessee River," "Feels so Right," "As Long as There's Love" and "My Home's in Alabama" (written with Teddy Gentry).

"When we thank the community for its support of the ALWS with the Festival, we want to give everyone something to remember," says Eddie Holbrook, chairman of the local ALWS committee. "We hope all who attend this event will be as excited about Randy Owen as we are."

Owen, Gentry and Jeff Cook still perform as Alabama but limited their group appearances after their American Farewell Tour in 2002-2003. During its 25-plus years as a band, Alabama has claimed 21 straight No. 1 singles (43 in all) and sold 73 million albums. The group has won more than 200 awards from various organizations, making them the most awarded band in country music history. They have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Academy of Country Music named them Artist of the Decade in 1989, and, in 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America named them Country Group of the Century.

Alabama was among the artists who performed for Deep from the Heart: The One America Appeal, an Oct. 21, 2017, benefit concert for citizens impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; the Appeal raised $41 million. On March 7 in Nashville, Alabama performed for Volunteer Jam 2018: A Tribute to Charlie Daniels.

In addition to Alabama's Alabama June Jam from 1982-97 to raise funds for charities and school organizations, Owen himself is a strong supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with an annual radiothon, which has become the most successful radio fundraiser in history, currently at $315 million. He also sponsors an annual golf tournament that assists Alabama's disadvantaged children.

In May, Owen will host his 25th major cattle sale at his "Tennessee River Music" ranch. Proceeds from a concert during the sale will be donated to the Hereford Youth Foundation, which is dedicated to scholarship and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle.

Vist www.americanlegionworldseries.com, or call 704.466.3103, email info@alws.us for more information.

Submitted by Judy Gaultney


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