April 5th marks the birth date of half of the Montgomery Gentry duo – Troy Gentry (or T-Roy, his nickname). T-Roy is a Kentucky native, and very proud of it. He teamed up with his singing partner Eddie Montgomery and Eddie’s brother, John Michael Montgomery. They formed a band they called ‘Young Country.’ The band broke up in the early 1990s.

In 1994, Troy competed in the Jim Beam National Talent Contest, and won. Gentry tried his hand at a solo career, but that didn’t work out. He eventually got back with Eddie Montgomery and they played in local night clubs, until 1999. That’s when Montgomery Gentry finally got a record deal with Columbia Records, Nashville division.

They’ve played a few past Countryfests for us, and unfortunately it rained, just about every time. Fortunately, however, they’re still making great songs.

Happy birthday T-Roy Gentry.

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