On September 8th, 50-year-old country star Troy Gentry passed away in a tragic helicopter accident outside of the Flying W Airport in Medford, New Jersey. The country singer was a member of the popular duo Montgomery Gentry, which formed in 1999. In honor of the late Troy Gentry, country music star Chris Stapleton offered an incredible tribute at his concert in Cincinnati, Ohio. Under the bright lights, Stapleton performed an incredibly powerful version of Montgomery Gentry’s first ever single, “Hillbilly Shoes.” The track was featured on the band’s debut album, Tattoos & Scars. After release, the song reached number 13 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.
Check out the live performance below…
“Hillbilly Shoes” Lyrics
I was there when the men came, and told us all the news
Father forgive them for they know not what they do
Till they walk a while, a country mile
In my hillbilly shoes
You want to judge me by the whiskey on my breath
You think you know me but you ain’t seen nothing yet
Till you walk a while, a country mile
In my hillbilly shoes
In my hillbilly shoes
You work all day in the muck and the mire
Dance a little jig and a stomp by the fire
Ain’t too much these boots can’t do
Might even kick a little sense into you
Well I’m going up cripple creek going in a run
Going up cripple creek to have a little fun
Law man said they found some tracks
People saw them leavin but they never come back
Oh, you don’t know me, you don’t know, you don’t know you don’t know
Till you walk a while, a country mile
In my hillbilly shoes
In my hillbilly shoes
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted a public celebration of life for Troy Gentry on September 14th. Other country musicians remembered the Kentucky native in their own ways by performing other Montgomery Gentry hits. Jason Aldean, Old Dominion and Jake Owen were among those who took to the stage to cover Gentry’s songs. Sending love to all of Troy’s loved ones.
Be sure to share this tribute with other country music fans!
