Country music fans are often curious about the family ties and relationships of their favorite singers and bands. One question that frequently pops up is whether Troy Gentry, the late half of the duo Montgomery Gentry, was related to Teddy Gentry, the bassist and vocalist of the legendary group Alabama. The answer is not as simple as it may seem.
The Gentry Connection
The first thing to note is that both Troy and Teddy share the same surname, Gentry, which is a common English name derived from the Old French word “genterie”, meaning “noble or well-born” However, this does not necessarily imply that they are blood relatives, as many people with the same last name are not biologically related.
According to a genealogical website, Troy Gentry was born as Troy Lee Gentry on April 5, 1967, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was the son of Patricia and Lloyd Gentry, and had a brother named Keith and a sister named Jana His parents divorced when he was young, and he grew up with his mother and stepfather in Nicholasville, Kentucky
Teddy Gentry was born as Teddy Wayne Gentry on January 22, 1952, in Fort Payne, Alabama. He was the son of Gladys and James Gentry, and had a brother named Jackie and a sister named Linda He grew up in a musical family, as his father played guitar and his mother sang in a gospel quartet
Based on these facts, it seems that Troy and Teddy did not have any direct or close ancestral links. They were born in different states, had different parents and siblings, and did not share any grandparents or great-grandparents. However, it is possible that they had some distant cousins or relatives in common, as both of their families originated from the southern United States.
The Musical Bond
While Troy and Teddy may not have been related by blood, they were certainly connected by music. Both of them pursued careers in country music and achieved fame and success as members of popular bands.
Troy Gentry met Eddie Montgomery in 1990, when they were both performing in different bands in Kentucky. They became friends and decided to form a duo called Montgomery Gentry in 1999. They signed with Columbia Records and released their debut album Tattoos & Scars that year. The album spawned four hit singles, including “Hillbilly Shoes” and “Lonely and Gone”
Montgomery Gentry went on to release nine more studio albums, earning multiple awards and nominations from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the Country Music Association (CMA), and the Grammy Awards. Some of their most popular songs include “My Town”, “Something to Be Proud Of”, “Lucky Man”, and “Roll with Me”. They were also known for their energetic live shows and their support for various charitable causes
Teddy Gentry met Randy Owen and Jeff Cook when they were teenagers in Fort Payne, Alabama. They were all cousins and shared a passion for music. They started playing together in various bands, such as Young Country and Wildcountry, before settling on the name Alabama in 1977. They signed with RCA Records in 1980 and released their first major-label album My Home’s in Alabama that year. The album featured two number one singles, “Tennessee River” and “Why Lady Why”
Alabama became one of the most successful and influential country music groups of all time, selling over 75 million records worldwide and charting over 40 number one hits. Some of their most famous songs include “Mountain Music”, “Dixieland Delight”, “The Closer You Get”, and “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”. They also won numerous awards from the ACM, the CMA, the Grammy Awards, and the American Music Awards. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019
The Tragic Loss
Sadly, Troy Gentry’s life was cut short on September 8, 2017, when he died in a helicopter crash near Medford, New Jersey. He was 50 years old. He was on his way to perform at a concert with Eddie Montgomery when the helicopter he was riding in experienced mechanical problems and crashed into a wooded area. The pilot also died in the accident.
Troy’s death shocked and saddened the country music community and his fans around the world. Many artists paid tribute to him on social media and at various events. Among them was Teddy Gentry, who posted a heartfelt message on Facebook:
“I am so sorry to hear about Troy Gentry. He was a great guy and a great singer. He will be missed by all of us in the music business and his fans. My prayers go out to his family and Eddie Montgomery. God bless you Troy.”
Troy’s funeral was held on September 14, 2017, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Eddie Montgomery, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins, and Ricky Skaggs were among the performers who honored his memory. Troy’s remains were buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville.
The Legacy
Despite Troy’s untimely passing, his musical legacy lives on through his recordings and his bandmate. Eddie Montgomery announced that he would continue to perform as Montgomery Gentry, using prerecorded vocals from Troy and inviting guest singers to join him on stage. He also released a new album with Troy in 2018, called Here’s to You, which featured songs they had recorded before the crash. The album reached number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and spawned the single “Better Me”.
Teddy Gentry also continues to make music with Alabama, as well as pursuing solo projects and producing other artists. He has also been involved in developing a breed of cattle called South Poll, which are adapted to the southern climate and grasslands. He owns a farm in Alabama where he raises these cattle and hosts an annual music festival called Teddy Gentry’s Singing with the Stars.
Conclusion
Troy Gentry and Teddy Gentry were not related by blood, but they shared a common surname, a love for country music, and a friendship that spanned decades. They both achieved remarkable success and recognition as members of Montgomery Gentry and Alabama, respectively. They also faced tragedy and loss, as Troy died in a helicopter crash in 2017. However, their music and their spirit remain alive in the hearts of their fans and their peers. They are both icons of country music and examples of talent, passion, and generosity.
