Stories from the Heart of Fort Payne

On a recent summer day at Randy Owen’s farm in Fort Payne, a tale reminiscent of an old country ballad began to unfold.

One man, Randy Owen, stands as a generational voice — the iconic leader of the band “Alabama,” acclaimed as the most successful country band in history. The other man? Nathaniel Ledbetter, the Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, has risen to become a significant figure in state politics.

Interestingly, both men hail from DeKalb County—one from Lookout Mountain and the other from Sand Mountain. Just a valley apart, their backgrounds reflect farm life and a neighborhood bond.

Owen grew up in a close-knit community called Adamsburg, which once boasted five country stores and a local fire station. That fire station became a hub for fundraising events and local gatherings; it’s where Owen and Ledbetter first crossed paths.

Owen fondly recalls spending time at the fire station alongside his family, where his mother, a gifted pianist, played music, and the aroma of her famous fried apple pie filled the air.

It was at this fire station that Owen first came across the name Nathaniel Ledbetter. A sign out front invited visitors to “Come see Nathaniel Ledbetter,” prompting a young Owen to wonder, “Who is Nathaniel Ledbetter?” Now, he regards him as a cherished friend.

Ledbetter’s political journey began in the 1980s when he served on the Rainsville City Council and later became the city’s mayor until 2002. The Adamsburg Fire Station emerged as a vital stop during his campaigns, hosting meet-and-greets that fostered lasting friendships.

Owen reminisced, saying, “He hasn’t lost the country boy I first met. And that’s important because not everyone stays true to their roots.” He added, “As we get older, we really start to value friendships.”

Owen shared memories of his mother canning vegetables on a wood stove and keeping track of their cotton sales from the age of ten, all the while ensuring her farmworkers were well-fed.

Ledbetter recalls weekend trips to Fort Payne, which often culminated in a burger from Pine Ridge Café. For those from the mountains, this was a true delicacy.

“We didn’t have much,” he reflected.

Growing up in a rural environment taught both men the values of hard work and self-reliance.

During the recent award ceremony where Owen received the esteemed 2023 BMI Icon Award, he was grateful to have Ledbetter by his side. “It felt right,” he said, “they didn’t even know who he was at first, but I knew he was my friend.” Ledbetter remarked on the humility that brought them together that night.

In 2024, the two were present alongside Governor Kay Ivey and leaders from Jacksonville State University to mark the groundbreaking for the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts, a project made possible in part by Ledbetter’s efforts in securing $15 million through the legislature.

At the event, Ledbetter praised Owen, calling him “the true ambassador of JSU and Alabama,” noting that future generations would learn in buildings bearing his name. It was indeed a personal triumph for both men who grew up in DeKalb County, eager to give back.

Ledbetter ensured Owen’s contributions were recognized at the Alabama Capitol, where a resolution was passed in June 2023 honoring Owen’s lifelong dedication to music and charitable efforts. Owen described the moment as emotional.

He’s fervently advocated for various causes, including supporting Alabama’s state parks and census participation, amassing significant funds — around $1 billion — along the way.

The resolution celebrated Owen’s extensive charitable work and contributions, ranging from public service announcements to concerts benefitting those in need.

“I’ve danced to the president’s songs,” Owen quipped. “But with Nathaniel, I know his heart; sharing a dirt road or an apple pie with someone makes a difference.”

Remembering June Jam

Perhaps one of the most significant events of their shared history is the June Jam, a renowned music festival in Fort Payne that rallied charity support during the 80s and 90s, experiencing a resurgence in 2023 and 2024.

Ledbetter played a pivotal role in revitalizing this event, garnering support from fellow lawmakers and organizing crucial resources.

June Jam not only entertains but also raises funds for tornado relief, education, and local nonprofits, an endeavor both men are deeply involved in.

“The money goes back to the community,” Owen said, emphasizing Ledbetter’s commitment to keeping the festival alive.

Ledbetter admires Owen’s quiet leadership, reflecting on moments where his friend showed determination, whether it was checking on tornado damage at 1 AM or proposing an expansion of the FFA program across Alabama.

In fact, the expansion of the FFA was Owen’s initiative, driven by his desire for future generations to understand farm life.

Funding for Alabama’s Triple Membership program, which is nearing 40,000 students, is set to be included in the next legislative budget.

“It all started with a simple chat at the barn,” Ledbetter noted. “It’s remarkable how a talk with Randy can inspire change.”

The Heart of DeKalb County

When you ask either man about what makes DeKalb County special, their answers are immediate: the people.

“People still wave when they pass each other,” Ledbetter remarked. “If you don’t wave, folks find it odd.”

Owen adds, “I’m still attending church. I’m still saying ‘Yes, ma’am’ or ‘No, sir.’ People might not boast about their faith, but they live it.”

Ledbetter remembers growing up, watching his neighbors help one another after a tornado, while Owen recalls his own father praying for better seasons after floods destroyed crops.

Such experiences shaped them, showcasing their roots and identities.

“If your words don’t measure up, that speaks volumes,” Ledbetter stated. “It’s simple around here.”

Owen echoed this sentiment, saying, “It comes down to keeping your word and remembering who helped you along the way.”

Now, in the later stages of their lives, they remain guided by gratitude.

Owen tends to his Hereford cows while continuing to write music and check in on friends.

Ledbetter is at the pinnacle of his political career, gathering advice from peers along the way.

As Ledbetter expressed, “No one understands his importance to this state better than Randy. The fact that he still reaches out means the world to me.”

Owen reciprocated, reflecting, “True friendship isn’t about what someone can do for you. It’s about what you can achieve together.”

And indeed, together, they have accomplished a great deal.