On This Day in 1984, Alabma Released Their Accidental No. 1 Single “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”

On this day (July 16) in 1984, Alabama released “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band). Originally a B-side, the song went on to become their 14th consecutive No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. They would send seven more singles to the top of the chart before breaking the streak.

Alabama is the most successful band in the history of country music. During the band’s heyday, they launched 27 singles to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and more than a dozen more to the top 10. The band boasts album sales of more than 75 million with many of their full-lengths receiving Platinum or multi-Platinum certifications. More than that, they popularized the concept of the country band. In short, the group from the Yellowhammer State left an indelible mark on the American music world.

[RELATED: 10 Alabama Essentials]

Alabama Lands a Surprise No. 1 with “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas”

Written by Dan Mitchell and Murry Kellum, Alabama released the song as the B-side to “I’m Not That Way Anymore,” the third single from their 1984 album Roll On. However, when the single made it to radio stations across the United States, DJs found that they preferred the B-side over the actual single. As a result, they played it more often and it became a favorite among fans.

All things considered, the choice made sense. “I’m Not That Way Anymore” is an ode to growing up and settling down after living a wild life as a teenager. Make no mistake, the mid-tempo tune is a rock-solid addition to the band’s catalog. However, in mid-July listeners were looking for a summer jam. “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas” fit the bill.

[RELATED: The Southern Origins of Alabama]

More than a fun song, “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas” references three fiddle-heavy country songs. In the chorus, they give nods to “Louisiana Man” by Dough Kershaw and “Faded Love” by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Then, in the first verse, they mention the traditional song “Cotton Eye Joe.”

Featured Image by Olga Steckel