What Happened to the Drummer of Alabama? Who was the Drummer for Alabama? Where is Mark Herndon Now?

What Happened to the Drummer of Alabama?

The drummer of Alabama, Mark Herndon, faced conflicts and animosity with his bandmates during his 25-year tenure, as revealed in his autobiography “The High Road: Memories From a Long Trip.” Mark Herndon, the drummer of the renowned country band Alabama, experienced a tumultuous journey during his 25-year tenure with the group.

Despite playing a significant role in the band’s success and being promoted as one of the four members, his relationship with the three harmony singers, Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook, was plagued by conflicts and animosity. While Herndon’s image was prominently featured in promotional material and celebrated with his image on the band’s bronze plaque at the Country Music Hall of Fame, behind the scenes, tensions were brewing.

In his autobiography, “The High Road: Memories From a Long Trip,” Herndon subtly hints at the issues he faced with Alabama, yet refrains from mentioning the band’s name or his former bandmates’ last names, signaling the depth of discord.Throughout the book, Herndon discloses various grievances that contributed to the strained relationship.

One notable incident occurred in 1984 when he was relegated from the band bus to the crew bus after voicing complaints about the unbearable cabin temperature, creating a turning point in his dynamic with the other members. Despite being an integral part of the band’s image and marketing strategy, Herndon reveals that he was paid considerably less than expected, sometimes earning as little as $45,000 during the band’s peak commercial years in the early 1980s.

Although he managed to negotiate a higher salary later in the decade and eventually earned over $100,000 in the 1990s, he had relinquished his merchandising rights until the band’s farewell tour in 2003-2004. The bitterness escalated further when Alabama sued Herndon in 2008, claiming that he had been overpaid for merchandise during the farewell tour. The lawsuit resulted in a legal battle that added fuel to the animosity between him and his former bandmates.

In a particularly hurtful remark, Randy Owen publicly stated in 2013 that Mark Herndon was never truly considered a member of the band, intensifying the strain on their relationship. Despite the conflicts, Herndon acknowledges that he made decisions willingly and was drawn to the allure of performing on stage.

He describes the experience of playing on stage as being like a narcotic, keeping him with the band despite the challenges he faced. While he admits receiving poor advice from attorneys, he ultimately accepted the terms he worked under. Although studio musicians played a significant role in Alabama’s recordings, Herndon did contribute as the drummer on certain tracks.

However, offstage bitterness gradually eroded the once-strong connection between the band members, leading to fewer transcendent concert moments. The lawsuit became a turning point, effectively ending any hope of reconciliation with the band. Despite being ostracized from the group, Herndon remained involved in the music business, managing independent artist Leah Seawright.

Writing his autobiography provided Mark Herndon with a cathartic experience, allowing him to share his side of the story and come to terms with his contentious past. Although the animosity between him and his former bandmates persisted, he stated that he is no longer bothered by it, viewing it as a significant chapter in his life.

Who was the Drummer for Alabama?

The drummer for the renowned American country music band Alabama was Mark Herndon. Alabama was formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969, and Mark Herndon joined the group as the drummer in 1979 after an audition that included playing Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”

With his addition, the band’s lineup was completed by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals), and Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards). Under the name Wild Country initially, they toured extensively in the Southeast bar circuit and started writing their original songs.

In 1977, they adopted the name Alabama, and their success soared after signing with RCA Records. Throughout their career, Alabama achieved great acclaim, amassing over 27 number one hits, seven multi-platinum albums, and numerous awards. Their distinctive blend of traditional country music, Southern rock, bluegrass, folk, and pop elements contributed to their crossover appeal and immense popularity.

Despite some conflicts and animosity with his bandmates, Mark Herndon remained an integral part of Alabama’s success, participating in the band’s chart-topping singles and albums. He continued as the drummer until Alabama disbanded in 2004 following a farewell tour. While the band reunited in 2010 and continued to record and tour, Mark Herndon’s tenure as the drummer during their peak years solidified his place as a significant figure in the band’s history.

Where is Mark Herndon Now?

Currently, there is no information about where Mark Herndon is now, Mark Herndon worked as a full-time pilot for a company in northern Alabama. After his tenure as the drummer for the iconic country music band Alabama, he transitioned into a career in aviation, which had been a lifelong passion for him.

Despite facing conflicts and legal disputes during his time with the band, Herndon remains grounded and relatable to the crew and working people. His memoir, “The High Road: Memories from a Long Trip,” provides insight into his illustrious career with Alabama and offers a glimpse into the various characters and experiences he encountered throughout the years.

Alabama Band 

The Alabama band is an iconic American country music group that originated in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969. Founded by Randy Owen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his cousin Teddy Gentry (bass, backing vocals), they were later joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook (lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards). Originally known as Wildcountry, the group toured extensively in the Southeast bar circuit, honing their craft and writing original songs.

In 1977, they changed their name to Alabama, and their breakthrough came when RCA Records offered them a recording deal following the success of two singles. Alabama’s greatest success came during the 1980s, during which they achieved over 27 number one hits, received numerous awards, and garnered seven multi-platinum albums.

Throughout their illustrious career, the band blended traditional country music with Southern rock, incorporating elements of bluegrass, folk, and pop, which contributed to their crossover appeal and immense popularity. Their chart-topping singles, such as “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree,” “Mountain Music,” and “Song of the South,” solidified their place as one of the most successful country music acts in history.

Alabama’s unique stage shows, incorporating production elements inspired by rock concerts, further enhanced their performances. Mark Herndon, who joined Alabama as the drummer in 1979, played a significant role in the band’s success, appearing on stage with them and featuring on many of their album covers.

Despite being a contractual player and not a full-fledged partner of the band, he remained an integral part of their journey until his dismissal from the group a few years ago. Mark Herndon has since pursued a career in aviation and is currently a full-time pilot for a company in northern Alabama.

Alabama’s impact on country music history is undeniable, and they have received numerous accolades for their contributions. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005, they continue to be remembered and celebrated by their fans. Their enduring legacy and memorable songs have left a lasting impression on the country music industry, solidifying Alabama’s place as one of the most beloved and successful bands in the genre’s history.

Alabama Band Members

Current members

• Randy Owen – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1969–2004, 2006–07, 2010–present)
• Teddy Gentry – bass, occasional lead vocals, backing vocals (1969–2004, 2006–07, 2010–present)

Former members

• Mike Shawcross – drums (2010–2018)
• Mark Herndon – drums (1979–2004)
• Don Perkey – drums (1975-1978)
• Rick Scott – drums (1974–1979)
• Bennett Vartanian – drums, backing vocals (1972–1974)
• Jackie Owen – drums (1969–1972)
• Jeff Cook – lead guitar, occasional lead vocals, backing vocals, fiddle, keyboards (1969–2004, 2006–07, 2010–2022; died 2022)