This post is a tribute to my favorite band of all time, Montgomery Gentry. Troy and Eddie started “Montgomery Gentry” back in 1999. But before rising to fame, they were in a band called "Early Tymz" with Eddie Montgomery’s brother, John Michael Montgomery. The band stayed together for a few years, but eventually broke up. John Michael went on to have a huge career, as did Montgomery Gentry. Throughout MG's career the two have won “Duo of the Year” 3 times, toured around the world, and were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2009. Montgomery Gentry has had 3 albums go platinum, and 2 gold. Montgomery Gentry has released 10 studio albums, 39 singles, and 26 music videos. In my opinion, they have one of the most loyal fan bases, and they do more for the veterans and current service members than almost anyone in county music. I first heard the sounds of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry when I was just 4 years old. I was watching CMT while my mom was cleaning our home. When she walked back into the living room, there I was, at 4-year-old, screaming and singing along to “Hell Yeah.” Since that day, these two men have cultivated me in many ways. I have bought every Montgomery Gentry album, I own multiple MG tee-shirts, I have a shot glass, posters on my wall, and more. I memorized every word to every song. Once I got older, I started going to a couple of ‘Fan Club’ parties, and shows (I still remember my “I <3 Troy poster and getting his pick) Montgomery Gentry has crafted my taste in music and even shaped my career. My mom and I spend countless years attending CMA Fest to meet them. Year after year we thought we had our chance, but it never happened. Until one day… it did. I was so nervous, shocked. and excited that I couldn’t say two words to them. I just smiled and took my photo and the line moved on to next person. After that, I was determined to meet them again, so I could tell them how long I had been listening to their music. What I set out to do came true, more than once. How many people can say they have met the artists they have shaped them? I am so lucky to have met them multiple times in my life. The final time was special because it was the last time, I would see Troy and Eddie together again. Troy Gentry tragically passed away on September 8th, 2017. Troy decided to take a helicopter ride before their show in Medford, New Jersey, sadly the chopper crashed. The NTSB said the pilot's "failure to maintain rotor RPM" caused the accident. The thing about Troy and Eddie is that they are full of life. They wanted to have fun, and they loved their fans/family the most. So, because they love having fun, it didn't surprise me that when offered a helicopter ride, Troy took it. I did not know him personally but feeling connected to them all of these years, makes me feel like I can say I at least know them, in some way. I saw the news on their Instagram page and was in total shock, it didn’t feel real. It took me a day or so to process it. After that, I knew it was real. The MG Underground wrapped themselves around Eddie after we lost T-roy. We came together to show Eddie, the wild bunch, and Troy’s family that we are here for them and that we will cheer them on through anything. I believe that Troy and Eddie were there for us through the hard times and good times. That’s why it's so easy to love these guys. They are the reason why I majored in communication in college. I want to eventually work in music and professionally write about the artists that I love and that have shaped me, including Montgomery Gentry. People like them, voices like theirs, and a sound like that don’t come around often. When it does, we have to appreciate it, because it doesn’t come around often.
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AuthorHey y'all, I'm Jess! I have a Bachelor's Degree in communication and thought blogging would help me through my career! Archives
October 2020
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