While the country music group Alabama has brought lasting fame to Fort Payne, DeKalb County and the entire state of Alabama, it isn't just their superstar status in the entertainment industry which led to their selection as the Times-Journal's "Citizens of Influence" for 2002.

Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon would be worthy of this honor based solely on Alabama's musical accomplishments. The group has won more than 150 major industry awards, and has produced 42 No. 1 singles. And, 23 of their albums have been certified as platinum or gold by RIAA.

Perhaps the two most impressive awards came most recently, when Alabama was named "Country Group of the Century" in 1999, and received TNN's "Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award" in 2000.

But the defining measure of Alabama's merit for "Citizens of Influence" comes from the individual and collective contributions made to improve the lives of people in and around DeKalb County.

Millions of dollars raised by the proceeds of past June Jam concerts have helped finance numerous charities in Northeast Alabama, as well as on a more far-reaching basis.

Individually, Owen has been a strong advocate for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, the Sheriffs' Boys and Girls Ranches, and many others. Gentry has long been a strong supporter of the DeKalb County Children's Advocacy Center, and Herndon has worked diligently to help the Speech and Hearing Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Cook has aided Camp Smile-A-Mile in its fund-raising efforts, and the entire band has been a strong friend of John Croyle's Big Oak Ranch for many years.

And the contributions have continued beyond the life of the June Jam. Last April, the group donated $100,000 to the Fort Payne City Board of Education.

"Growing up on Lookout Mountain near Adamsburg," Owen said, "we couldn't afford to get a newspaper, so it's great to be honored by the Times-Journal. To think a simple farm kid with those dirty hands - one people sometimes made fun of - could actually one day become named "Citizens of Influence" is unbelievable. It could only happen in Alabama. We've worked real hard to keep our roots in DeKalb County and raise our families here. Alabama is very honored to be named Citizens of Influence."

Gentry said, "It's always special to be honored by your friends and the folks where you live. We are very proud of this award, but it's really a team award for everyone behind the scenes. Our crew and the people who represent us must also take the credit."

Jeff Cook added, "It's always special to be given an award at home. It means the people where you live think you're doing a pretty good job."

Herndon said, "We've received a number of special accolades in our career, but to be honored by our neighbors is really something to be proud of."