Teddy Gentry
Teddy Gentry is a bass player and vocalist for the group Alabama, Honorary Chaimen for the 1987 Alabama Music Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet and Awards Show. The group began in 1969 when Teddy, Randy Owen, and Jeff Cook won a local talent contest. The three Fort Payne, Alabama natives then moved to Myrtle Beach where they spent seven years performing under the name Wild Country and later joined forces with Mark Herndon.
The group, influenced by gospel, country, bluegrass, British rock, Southern rock and a fusion of the country-blues coming out of Muscle Shoals, started with a one-shot recording contract in 1977. They climbed the charts in 1980 with their top 20 hit "My Home's in Alabama",and have gone on to make history by having 18 consecutive songs reach number one on the Billboard Country Chart.
The group was first recognized nationally when they were named CMA's Vocal Group of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year in 1981. They have recieved countless music publication awards, and have been recognized by the Academy of Country Music, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Science and many others. They were presented the Birmingham Arts Council Humanitarian Award in 1983 and The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Industry Award for Contemporary Achievement in 1985.
In addition to touring and recording, Alabama lends time, endorsement and support to many local, state and national charity organizations. Their annual June Jam concert is a fund-raising event for charity organizations statewide.
Alabama won the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Industry Award in 1985. The group is nominated for the Governor's Sustaining Achievement Award for Popular Music and the Americans Music Award.