Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes was formed in Athens, Alabama, in 2009. The band’s initial members included Brittany Howard (lead singer and guitarist), Heath Fogg (guitarist), Zac Cockrell (bassist), and Steve Johnson (drummer). The group spent two years performing in bars and clubs across the Southeastern United States, developing their sound and writing original music. During this period, they independently recorded their debut album, “Boys & Girls,” with producer Andrija Tokic in Nashville. An online music blog, Aquarium Drunkard, played a crucial role in their early success by sharing an MP3 of their song “You Ain’t Alone.” This exposure led to numerous offers from record labels and management companies, culminating in their signing with ATO Records.

“Boys & Girls” was released in 2012, achieving critical and commercial success, debuting at number 16 on national charts and eventually reaching number eight as physical copies were distributed. The album’s hit single, “Hold On,” was nominated for three Grammy Awards and was recognized as the best song of the year by Rolling Stone. Following extensive touring, including performances at major music festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, the band released their second album, “Sound & Color,” in 2015. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and secured three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song for “Don’t Wanna Fight.” In 2018, the band received a fourth Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for “Killer Diller Blues” from the film “The American Epic Sessions.”

After a period of hiatus starting in 2018, during which Brittany Howard pursued a solo career, the band reunited in December 2024 for a surprise performance in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They subsequently announced new music and a reunion tour for 2025 as a three-piece band, with Steve Johnson no longer a member. On August 29, 2025, Alabama Shakes released their first new single in ten years, “Another Life,” and signed with Island Records.