Citing influences as diverse as Johnny Cash, AC/DC, Alabama, Sam Cooke, Van Halen, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and the Beach Boys, Alabama's Heartland developed a strong regional following in the Huntsville, Alabama, region with their strong live shows. Catching the eye of Lofton Creek Records, Heartland signed a recording contract with the Nashville indie and was soon recording at Muscle Shoals' Fame Studios with producer Walt Aldridge, issuing a single, "I Loved Her First," in 2006. An album, also called I Loved Her First, followed later in the year. ~ Steve Leggett