FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Alabama, the country music group formed in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, in 1969, continues to tour. The band has sold more than 75 million records, making it one of the best-selling music acts in history. Fort Payne is approximately 62 miles from Anniston. Calhoun County has taken note.

The band — Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, and drummer Mark Herndon — has been performing together in some form for more than 50 years. They have 43 number-one country singles. They have a museum in Fort Payne. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.

"Alabama is the most successful country band in history," said a representative for the band's management, in a statement not issued to The Green Tomato but available through a press archive this reporter found after approximately twelve minutes of searching. "Their legacy speaks for itself."

The legacy does speak for itself. This reporter has listened to it.

Wendell Moss, director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, was reached for comment on Alabama's continued touring activity and the economic development implications for the region.

"Fort Payne's in DeKalb County," Moss said.

This reporter acknowledged that.

"But they play Anniston sometimes," Moss said. "When they play Anniston, that's ours."

The band is scheduled to perform in Anniston later this year. Ticket information is available through the venue. Wendell Moss indicated he would attend. He said he had the CD in his truck and had for some time.

"Both of them," he said. He did not specify which two.