Alabama is the first state many people would name when asked for the most country music-loving of the 50. The band Alabama is one testimony to our significance, not to mention the classic hit “Sweet Home Alabama” that is known by country music lovers around the world. One of the genre's most legendary men, Hank Williams, called Alabama home. Birmingham is not only Alabama’s largest city - we are also proud upholders of the country music resume in the Yellowhammer State. Emmylou Harris was born in Birmingham, and we continue to have the biggest stars stop through town for sellout shows. But where exactly does the Magic City rank amongst US cities when it comes to the best locations for country music lovers? Fortunately, the people at LawnStarter did the research for us to celebrate International Country Music Day.
Birmingham comes in at #24 on the list, which is the highest ranking of any Alabama city. Huntsville isn’t far behind the Magic City at #30, and Mobile and Montgomery place as well at spots 44 and 85. Montgomery was also recognized for their country music museums, which include The Hank Williams Museum. The top 5 cities on the list were Nashville, New York, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Charleston.
The list was made by compiling data on four key categories: access, concert affordability, genre interest, and venue quality. Birmingham venues have been doing great at bringing country acts into town this year. Avondale (Cole Swindell and Mustache coming in October), Oak Mountain Amphitheatre (Zac Brown Band and ZZ Top are coming this month), Iron City (Warren Zeiders in November), and the BJCC (Jason Aldean in October and Bonnie Raitt in November) are just a few of the entertainment providers bringing in big names for reasonable ticket prices over the next couple months, and there are dozens of local acts playing country tunes across the city each week. Country-loving bars like Neon Moon are city favorites, and any karaoke night can bring out a classic song that will have the whole room singing in unison. This International Country Music Day is a great reason to get out with our friends in low places at our favorite spot in the Magic City.
Cover image from Unsplash
