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Jax State's Longleaf Studios documentary on Randy Owen to air statewide on Alabama Public Television

My Home's in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story follows the remarkable journey of the Jax State alumnus, trustee and country music legend

Jacksonville, AL (08/04/2026) — Audiences across Alabama will soon have the opportunity to experience the story of one of the state's most celebrated musicians when My Home's in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story airs on Alabama Public Television on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.

Produced by Jacksonville State University's Longleaf Studios, the documentary chronicles the life and career of Jax State alumnus and Board of Trustees member Randy Owen, from his childhood on Lookout Mountain and his years as a first-generation college student at Jacksonville State to his rise as the lead singer and songwriter of the legendary country music group Alabama.

The statewide broadcast marks the documentary's television debut following its premiere during the grand opening celebration of the Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts earlier this year. Presented by Coca-Cola UNITED, the documentary reflects the company's ongoing support of educational and cultural initiatives across Alabama.

Co-directed by Dr. Seth Johnson and Will Payne, and produced by Emily Duncan, the documentary was created with assistance from students in Jax State's Film, Theatre, Art and Communication programs, who served on the production crew as part of Longleaf Studios' experiential learning model.

The documentary traces Owen's remarkable journey from working on his family's farm in Fort Payne to becoming an international music icon. It explores the influences that shaped his songwriting, including church music, gospel singings, family harmonies and his love of literature while studying English at Jacksonville State. Viewers also follow the evolution of the band from its early days performing in Myrtle Beach as Young Country and Wild Country to its emergence as Alabama, one of the most successful bands in country music history.

While celebrating Owen's extraordinary career, the film also highlights his enduring connection to his home state and Jacksonville State University, where he currently serves on the University's Board of Trustees.

Produced through Longleaf Studios, the documentary also highlights the hands-on learning opportunities available through Jax State's College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences, where students combine creative expression with real-world experience. Students collaborate with faculty and industry professionals on productions that prepare them for careers in the creative arts and media.

My Home's in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story will air statewide on Alabama Public Television on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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