The June Jam XVIII music festival hosted by legendary country group “Alabama” drew thousands of fans from across the nation to Fort Payne on Saturday, but it also attracted a decidedly more influential and political set of attendees, as well.
Many politicos have noted the rising political influence of the north Alabama region of the state, and it was on full display as Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) hosted a number of prominent legislators and other public officials in their legislative districts and treated them to a first-class VIP concert experience.
It’s always a treat to watch Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry put on a great show and raise money for charity at the same time. Thank you to the performers, volunteers and the thousands of fans who braved the rain to make this one of the best June Jams yet. Until next year! pic.twitter.com/k1yVjRhgJO
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) June 4, 2024
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who was joined by his family, spent much of the day at June Jam shaking hands and posing for photos with many of the fans in attendance despite bands of rain that peppered the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds, where the event was held.
The former Auburn football head coach proved wildly popular with the country music crowd, which tends to be more politically conservative in nature.
What a great day in Fort Payne, Alabama, for the 2024 June Jam Music Festival.
It was fun to visit with my friend Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and Les Taylor, lead singer of one of my favorite Country Bands of all time EXILE. pic.twitter.com/05HtFPRpyU
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 2, 2024
State Treasurer Young Boozer was present, as was Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, spotted wearing jeans, boots, cowboy hat, and a traditional western-wear shirt:
June Jam in Fort Payne is an annual event to raise money for disaster relief and others in need. My family loved hearing the lineup selected by the band ALABAMA and the opportunity to spend time with lots of good friends including Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Connie Rowe. pic.twitter.com/QEqpHxR4b4
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) June 2, 2024
Prominent lawmakers enjoying the event included House Rules Chairman Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn), House Ways & Means Education Committee Chairman Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), House Ways & Means General Fund Committee Chair Rex Reynolds (R-Hazel Green), House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chair Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), House Transportation, Utilities & Infrastructure Chair Randall Shedd (R-Baileyton), House Fiscal Responsibility Committee Chair Phillip Pettus (R-Killen), House Financial Service Committee Chair Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City), House Health Committee Chair Paul Lee (R-Dothan), and House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee Chair Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg).
State Sen. Jack Williams (R-Wilmer), a rumored candidate for commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, was also there.
Alabama organized the June Jam as a charity event in 1982, and it took place annually for 16 years before taking a 25-year hiatus. The event was revived in 2023 by surviving group members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. Founding member Jeff Cook passed away in 2022.
Since its creation, the event has raised more than $20 million for charitable organizations, disaster relief efforts, and veterans’ causes.
During its height in 1991, June Jam attracted an estimated 67,000 concertgoers and past events featured performers that included Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Alan Jackson, The Judds, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, and others.
The current version of June Jam has limited its available tickets to roughly 12,000 each year, and among the groups performing in 2024 were six-time ACM and CMA “Group of the Year” winner Old Dominion, Jamey Johnson, Shenandoah, Lee Greenwood, Montgomery Gentry Featuring Eddie Montgomery, Mark Wills, Exile, John Berry, Taylor Hicks, The Malpass Brothers, and The Castellows.
Alabama, which has charted 41 #1 singles on the country charts, sold more than 75 million records, and is considered the most successful country music group in history – closed the show at the end of the day, just as it has at each June Jam held prior.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
