Country music fans are often curious about the relationships between their favorite artists. One question that has been asked frequently is whether Teddy Gentry, the bassist and vocalist of the legendary band Alabama, is related to Montgomery Gentry, the duo formed by Eddie Montgomery and the late Troy Gentry. The answer is no, they are not related by blood, but they do share some musical and personal ties.
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How Teddy Gentry Met Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry
According to Alabama’s official website, Teddy Gentry was born on January 22, 1952, in Fort Payne, Alabama. He grew up in a musical family and started playing bass at the age of 12. He formed a band with his cousin Randy Owen in 1969, and they were later joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook. They initially performed as Wildcountry, then changed their name to Alabama in 1977.
Eddie Montgomery was born on September 30, 1963, in Danville, Kentucky. He also came from a musical family and played drums in his parents’ band as a teenager. He formed a band called Early Tymz with his brother John Michael Montgomery and Troy Gentry in the early 1980s. Troy Gentry was born on April 5, 1967, in Lexington, Kentucky. He learned to play guitar and sing from his parents and won a talent contest in 1994.
Teddy Gentry met Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry when they were touring with John Michael Montgomery in the 1990s. John Michael had become a successful solo artist after leaving Early Tymz, and he invited his former bandmates to open for him on the road. Teddy Gentry was impressed by their performance and offered them some advice and encouragement. He also helped them get a record deal with Columbia Records in 1999.
How Teddy Gentry Collaborated with Montgomery Gentry
Teddy Gentry has been a mentor and a friend to Montgomery Gentry over the years. He co-produced their debut album Tattoos & Scars in 1999, which spawned four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including “Hillbilly Shoes” and “Lonely and Gone”. He also co-wrote two songs for their second album Carrying On in 2001: “All Night Long” and “Too Hard to Handle…Too Free to Hold”.
Teddy Gentry has also performed with Montgomery Gentry on several occasions. He joined them on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in 2009, when they were officially inducted as members of the prestigious institution. He also sang with them at the CMA Music Festival in 2010, along with Randy Owen and Jeff Cook of Alabama. They performed a medley of their hits, such as “My Town” and “Mountain Music”.
How Teddy Gentry Mourned Troy Gentry’s Death
On September 8, 2017, Troy Gentry tragically died in a helicopter crash near Medford, New Jersey. He was on his way to perform with Eddie Montgomery at a concert that night. The news shocked and saddened the country music community, especially Teddy Gentry, who had known him for more than two decades.
Teddy Gentry expressed his grief and condolences on social media. He posted a photo of himself with Troy Gentry on Facebook and wrote: “I am so heartbroken today over the loss of my friend Troy. He was like a brother to me. We had so many great times together both on stage and off stage. He was one of the best singers and entertainers I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Eddie and all his fans. We will miss you Troy.”
Teddy Gentry also attended Troy Gentry’s memorial service at the Grand Ole Opry on September 14, 2017. He paid tribute to him by singing “Angels Among Us”, a song that he co-wrote for Alabama in 1993. He was joined by Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Ricky Skaggs and other country stars who honored Troy Gentry’s life and legacy.
Conclusion
Teddy Gentry is not related to Montgomery Gentry by blood, but he is connected to them by music and friendship. He has been a supporter and a collaborator of the duo since their early days in the industry. He has also been a mourner and a celebrator of Troy Gentry’s life after his untimely death. Teddy Gentry and Montgomery Gentry share a bond that goes beyond family ties: they share a passion for country music that has touched millions of fans around the world.
