The country music world is truly devastated at the loss of Troy Gentry. Many of his friends and fellow artists have been paying tribute to his life and career since the news broke last Friday (Sept. 8). During his concert that same day in Cincinnati, Ohio, Chris Stapleton honored Gentry by covering "Hillbilly Shoes."
Stapleton leads into the song with a long guitar riff as the crowd cheered on. Stapleton's same signature sound and gritty vocals emerge alongside the first line to Montgomery Gentry's hit tune, mashed up with his own ACM Award-winning song, "Nobody To Blame."
The sentiment only confirms what so many have been saying about Troy Gentry. He was a real friend to the country music community, and his memory and contributions will live on through artists like Chris Stapleton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTCX3A68FhI
"Hillbilly Shoes" was Montgomery Gentry's first career single, released in 1999. The song peaked at No. 13 on the country charts. The following year the duo ended up winning an ACM for Top New Vocal Duo. Following their ACM win, the duo also received a CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year.
READ MORE: Jason Aldean Remembers Troy Gentry With "Lonely and Gone" Cover
Troy Gentry was flying into Medford, N.J. on Sept. 8 when the helicopter he was in began having mechanical issues and subsequently crashed. A memorial service for Gentry is being held at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 14. The memorial will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to either the T.J. Martell Foundation or The American Red Cross for hurricane relief.
