The following was posted on Montgomery Gentry's website this afternoon:
It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00 pm today in Medford, New Jersey. The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old.
Details of the crash are unknown.
Troy Gentry's family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.
In addition to the tragic death of Troy, former Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams passed away after a short illness. He was 78.
Our prayers and thoughts are with both families.
A very sad day in Country Music, and tragedy strikes the Opry once again. The evnts of today bring back memories of those deaths of Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline, and Jim Reeves. All who perished by way of air transportation.
ReplyDeleteSadly, Troy Gentry´s wife had just overcome a lengthy bout with cancer. Just reminds us all how life is so short.
Suck a sad day indeed. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of both gentlemen.
ReplyDeleteThis is extremely sad news for country music and the Opry. A few days ago, I was thinking that for the last few years we've lost about 2 members per year, and so far we hadn't lost one. I had thought that perhaps this year the Opry would finally go without a loss, but I guess the lord had other plans.
ReplyDeleteI was definitely not expecting Troy Gentry to be the member we would lose this year, as did the rest of us. It's a real tragedy. Montgomery Gentry was one of the country groups I grew up hearing on the radio and really enjoyed his music. He hadn't been exactly the most dedicated of Opry members, but thankfully the last couple years the group really stepped up to the plate and frequently visited the Opry.
I was really saddened by the passing of Don Williams. I didn't know his music long as I knew of Montgomery Gentry, but in the 4 years I've been a fan of Don's music, I have constantly listened to the Gentle Giant, and was greatly inspired by his work. The man had such an honest and soothing voice like no other artist. My favorite memory of the music of Don's is when I was sick with a bad cold and needed to sleep, so I started playing Don's music on my tablet, and listening to the soothing voice of Don Williams helped me have a sound & peaceful sleep. In a way, Don Williams saved my life that day! Back in high school doing the announcements, I would often play "lord I hope This Day Is Good" as a song of inspiration and hope. I had planned to see Don in concert a couple years back, but unfortunately right before the tickets went on sale for it, Don canceled all his tour dates and retired from music. I unfortunately never got to see the gentle giant in person, and sadly never will, but I'll always have his great music to relax me during the good and bad times.
I unfortunately didn't get to listen to tonight's Opry, but I have no doubt that the Opry has and will do a great tribute to these 2 beloved performers.
Kyle, I didn't listen to the entire show last night but at the beginning Eddie Stubbs read a short tribute (very short) about Troy and also mentioned Don Williams. Then they had the moment of silence. Eddie also said that tonight's show (Saturday), would be dedicated to Troy. I think that with his death coming so unexpectedly and so close to the start of the Friday Night Opry, they really didn't have time to put anything together. I wonder if the line-up will change for tonight and a few who are not scheduled might show up in tribute to Troy.
DeleteEddie Stubbs announced last night that Jeff Hoag will be doing a tribute on Don Williams after the Grand Ole Opry tonight. So tune in to WSM between 9:15 PM and 9:30 PM until Midnight. Central Time. Bob
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody acknowledge/recognize the Grand Ole Opry family for what it is more than the "GREAT Whispering Bill Anderson?" Bob
ReplyDeleteI commented on the Fri/Sat post - "Tanya Tucker - Friday Night; Bill Anderson - Saturday Night were the best tributes offered". Yes, Bill is genuine.
ReplyDeleteI also added this comment under the Fri/Sat post, so it might be a repeat for some: On Friday night, Eddie Stubbs did the Troy Gentry announcement and last night Mike Terry did the tribute (if I heard right). In the past, that would have been handled by the Opry's general manager, either Hal Durham, Bob Whittaker or Pete Fisher. If Pete was not available, Steve Buchanan would have done it. Perhaps the new Opry management prefers to stay behind the scenes rather than out front. Interesting to see how it goes moving forward.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound strange coming form me but, maybe Sally Williams figure she is new enough it might not appear genuine for her to give the statement.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.
Jim
Knigthsville, IN
My comment about Bill Anderson wasn't towards anybody. I was just applauding Bill for what he did. Sorry if anybody thought otherwise. Bob
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