July 20, 2012 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Organizers for the 41st Annual National Shrimp Festival™ presented by Zatarain's announced today that rocker Eddie Money will headline the entertainment lineup this year. The festival will take place Oct. 11 through 14 where Ala. Hwy. 59 meets the Gulf in Gulf Shores and is produced by the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce.

Money - whose first career was a two-year stint as a policeman in New York - changed his last name from Mahoney to Money and hung up his badge and holster in 1968 to pursue a career in music. After moving to California to hone his craft, he signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, and burst onto the national music scene with his eponymous debut album in 1977.

Fans immediately fell in love with Money's sound, and the album, which went double platinum. It featured such hits as "Baby Hold On" and "Two Tickets to Paradise." He followed the success of his debut album with a stream of Top 40 hits, as well as some of the era's most creative videos for songs like "Shakin'" and "Think I'm in Love."

In 1986, Money released the album "Can't Hold Back", which featured the classic, Grammy-nominated duet with Ronnie Spector, "Take Me Home Tonight." The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album went platinum and also featured the hit "I Wanna Go Back."

These days, Money continues to delight new and old fans alike at venues throughout the country. He draws fans from all over who are eager to see the legendary musician. Ask any concert attendee and they'll tell you he retains his signature style and performs with the same passion today as he did more than 30 years ago.

This is not Money's first time playing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Bridgette Reynolds remembers a chilly March day in 1992 when Money rocked the beach in Gulf Shores as part of the short-lived Sea Oats Festival. "I remember he was rocking the place and Gary Busey, who was shooting the film 'Under Siege' in Mobile at the time, joined him," she said. "It may have been 20 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday."

Money also rocked Orange Beach two years ago with a concert at the Amphitheater at The Wharf. "He rocked the house," Shrimp Festival Concessions Chairman Steve Jones said. "He had all of us up dancing around. He hasn't lost a step. His shows are still killer. I can't wait to see him at the Shrimp Fest this year."

Fans aren't the only ones who are anxious for the concert. "It's been too long! I can't wait to get back in beautiful Gulf Shores and rock the Shrimp Fest," Money said. "It will be great to get back to the Gulf Coast, and I thank the good people of Gulf Shores for bringing me back."

Festival Chairman Ron Kutter said Money is an ideal act to headline the weekend. "He has more than 40 years experience in entertaining crowds, and he gives them a great show," he said. "Eddie Money and his songs remind me of what the Shrimp Festival is about - Alabama's original beach party. I can't wait for him to play 'Two Tickets to Paradise' in our little slice of paradise."

From the sounds of it, Money can't wait for the party either. "White sand, good food and rock-n-roll is what it's all about," he said. "See you in October!"

Kutter said more announcements with regards to other entertainers who will play at the festival will be forthcoming. "I'm excited about Eddie Money and all the other acts that have agreed to play throughout the weekend," he said. "From top to bottom, this may just be the best entertainment lineup we've ever had."

For more information on the 41st Annual National Shrimp Festival™ presented by Zatarain's, see the festival website at www.NationalShrimpFestival.com.