Jacksonville, AL – In December 2023, Jacksonville State University’s Stone Center hosted an unforgettable evening as some of the biggest names in country music came together for an intimate concert benefiting the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts (ROC). This star-studded event, the “ROC On” Concert, is now set to air on Alabama Public Television on Thursday, December 19, at 8:00 p.m., with a rebroadcast on Friday, December 27, at 7:30 p.m.
The lineup features four Jacksonville State University alumni who have become celebrated Nashville hitmakers: Randy Owen, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green, and Gordon Mote. Hosted by Bill “Bubba” Bussey, the concert was taped live on December 14, 2023, showcasing iconic hits like “My Home’s in Alabama,” “In Color,” “Mercy Walked In,” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”
JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. expressed pride in the university’s talented alumni, stating, “It all started with Randy Owen, who has inspired generations of musicians across the world since his band, Alabama, redefined country music in the 1980s.”
Proceeds from the event supported the development of the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts, honoring Owen’s significant contributions to music and society. Scheduled to open in January 2026, the ROC will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 450-seat recital hall, a recording studio, and versatile classroom and office spaces. The center is designed to inspire students, engage lifelong learners, and enrich JSU’s campus community.
Randy Owen: As the frontman for Alabama, Randy Owen helped revolutionize country music, earning numerous accolades, including two Grammys and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. A JSU graduate, Owen has remained an influential figure in the arts and a member of the JSU Board of Trustees.
Jamey Johnson: Known for his deep, soulful sound, Jamey Johnson is a Grand Ole Opry member and 10-time Grammy nominee. A former member of JSU’s Marching Southerners, Johnson’s career began with songwriting in Nashville, eventually earning critical acclaim as a performer.
Riley Green: Hailing from Jacksonville, Ala., Riley Green blends heartfelt lyrics with a love of storytelling. The former JSU Gamecock quarterback has achieved national success, including a duet with Randy Owen and recognition as ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year in 2020.
Gordon Mote: A renowned pianist and prolific studio musician, Gordon Mote has collaborated with country music’s elite while earning recognition as a solo artist. His talent and passion for music were cultivated at JSU before he launched his career in Nashville.
Don’t miss this incredible celebration of music, legacy, and community when “ROC On” airs this December on Alabama Public Television.
