Beech Tree News Network

Last week, the country music world lost two of their own on the same day.  Don Williams and Troy Gentry were on opposite ends of the country spectrum, but both were extremely talented. 
On September 8, 50-year-old Troy Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash as he was headed to a concert as half of Montgomery Gentry.  The crash was in Medford, New Jersey, where MG was scheduled to perform that evening.  The group enjoyed a string of hits throughout the 2000’s, including five #1’s. 
Born April 5, 1967, in Lexington, KY, Gentry and Eddie Montgomery formed the band Early Tymz with Eddie’s brother, John Michael Montgomery, who’d go onto success as a solo artist.  Troy tried his hand at a solo career but eventually reunited with Eddie to form Montgomery Gentry. 
Signing with Colombia-Nashville, they released “Hillbilly Shoes” and “Lonely and Gone” from 1999’s Tattoos and Scars.  They were named ACM duo of the year the following year.  Their ’01 follow-up, Carrying On, included the #2 hit “She Couldn’t Change Me”.  They hit their stride in ’02 with the release of “My Town” and “Speed” that were top 5 hits.  Their first #1 came with “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” from Do Your Thing in ’04.  Then came #1’s “Something To Be Proud Of”, “Lucky Man”, “Back When I Knew It All” and “Roll With Me”, the last came in 2008.  They were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in ’09. 
Early in the 2010’s, the guys left Columbia Nashville and signed with the independent Average Joe’s, releasing the album Rebels on the Run.  2015’s Folks Like Us was their final release.  Gentry is survived by his wife Angie and two daughters.

Don Williams also passed away on the same day after a short illness.  He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.  Little known fact: We shared the same birthday(May 27).  Granted, he was a tad older: 1939 vs. 1979.  “The Gentle Giant” was active 1964-2006.  He unretired and had a second act from 2010-2016.  I was fortunate enough to see one of his final shows at SkyPac.  His career accolades include 1978 ACM Record of the Year for “Tulsa Time” and 1978 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. 
Williams served in the U.S. Army for two years worked various odd jobs after his honorable discharge to provide for his family.  He then formed the folk group Pozo-Seco singers with Susan Taylor and Lofton Cline.  They recorded a few records for Colombia.  The group disbanded, and Williams left music briefly but returned in 1971, signing as a songwriter for Jack Clement.  In ’72, he was signed as a solo artist.  His first single with ABC/DOT, “I Wouldn’t Want to Live if you didn’t love me” became a #1 hit.  Only 4 of his 46 singles didn’t make it to the top ten.  Williams announced his retirement from touring in 2016 and canceled all of his scheduled shows.  "It's time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I'm so thankful for my fans, my friends, and my family for their everlasting love and support," he said in a statement.  RIP Don Williams and Troy Gentry.