ALABAMA Honored with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 8th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards
Legendary country group ALABAMA received one of the industry’s highest distinctions — the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award — during the 8th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, held at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, September 23.
The honor, presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), celebrated the band’s decades-long contributions to country music and songwriting. Founding member Teddy Gentry accepted the award on behalf of the group, paying tribute to his longtime bandmates Randy Owen and the late Jeff Cook, who were also recognized for their remarkable influence on ALABAMA’s legacy.
A Night of Celebration at the Ryman
The Ryman was filled with artists, songwriters, family, and fans as the NSAI once again gathered the creative community to celebrate the art of songwriting. This year, 42 songwriters were honored for their exceptional contributions to music. For the eighth consecutive year, the event was presented in partnership with City National Bank.
The evening opened with a heartfelt tribute to the award’s namesake, Kris Kristofferson. His son, Lukas Nelson, performed a stirring musical homage to his legendary father, whose songwriting has inspired generations. Later, Lisa Kristofferson, Kris’s wife, took the stage to present this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to ALABAMA.
Teddy Gentry Reflects on the Honor
Accepting the award with deep emotion, Gentry reflected on what the recognition meant to him personally and professionally:
“This award was a lifetime wish for me,” he said. “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.”
Musical Tributes to ALABAMA’s Legacy
Several performances throughout the evening paid tribute to ALABAMA’s monumental career and enduring influence on the genre.
Gordon Mote performed a medley of the band’s most beloved hits, followed by Jason Aldean, who brought the crowd to its feet with his rendition of the classic “My Home’s In Alabama.”
Country star Lorrie Morgan then delivered a heartfelt version of “There’s No Way,” moving the audience with her tribute to the group’s timeless sound.
Together, the performances created a powerful celebration of ALABAMA’s music — a catalog that has defined country storytelling for over five decades.
Continuing the Legacy
The Nashville Songwriter Awards continue to spotlight the creative forces behind the songs that shape the heart of country music. As the curtain closed on this year’s event, NSAI announced that the 9th annual ceremony will once again return to the Ryman Auditorium on September 22, 2026.
For Teddy Gentry and ALABAMA, the evening served as both a tribute and a full-circle moment — honoring a band whose melodies have become part of the very fabric of American country music.
