JACKSONVILLE — A new documentary highlighting the life and career of Jacksonville State University alumnus, trustee and country music legend Randy Owen will make its statewide television debut this week.
My Home’s in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story, produced by Jacksonville State University’s Longleaf Studios, is scheduled to air on Alabama Public Television on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.
The documentary follows Owen’s journey from his childhood on Lookout Mountain and his experience as a first-generation college student at Jacksonville State to becoming the lead singer and songwriter of the iconic country music group Alabama.
The statewide broadcast comes after the film premiered earlier this year during the grand opening celebration of the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. The documentary was presented with support from Coca-Cola UNITED.
The film was co-directed by Dr. Seth Johnson and Will Payne and produced by Emily Duncan. Students from Jacksonville State’s Film, Theatre, Art and Communication programs also contributed to the production through Longleaf Studios, gaining hands-on experience as members of the production crew.
According to the university, the documentary explores the influences that shaped Owen’s songwriting, including church music, gospel singings, family harmonies and his study of English at Jacksonville State. It also follows the evolution of the band from its early performances in Myrtle Beach under the names Young Country and Wild Country to its rise as Alabama, one of the most successful bands in country music history.
In addition to chronicling Owen’s musical career, the documentary highlights his continued connection to Alabama and Jacksonville State University, where he currently serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
The production also showcases Longleaf Studios’ experiential learning model, which allows students in Jacksonville State’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences to collaborate with faculty and industry professionals on creative projects designed to prepare them for careers in media and the arts.
My Home’s in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story will air statewide on Alabama Public Television on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.
