Eddie Montgomery reflects on his Kentucky country music roots

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are part of the 2015 KY Music Hall of Fame Class - photo by Frederick Breedon IV

Tonight, country music duo, Montgomery Gentry, will be honored as one of the newest inductees into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. It is an accomplishment that only a few are chosen every other year. Just two years ago, Eddie Montgomery tearfully helped induct his brother, John Michael Montgomery, into the elite Hall of Fame.

Eddie Montgomery recently spoke in a personal interview, reflecting on his brother’s induction, the road that got them to where they are today, and his musical roots.

When he found out that Montgomery Gentry were to be honored, Eddie said that, “we were honored at our fan club party that we had last year. I tell you what, growing up here in the great state of Kentucky, and seeing all of the legends that have come out of Kentucky; it has been a whirlwind and unbelievable experience. There are more are legends that have come out of our state than any other state period. If I’m dreaming, please do not pinch and wake me up!”

Now that both he, as well as his brother, John Michael Montgomery, is a member of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, there is one person Eddie Montgomery wishes that could be there for the ceremony. That person would be their father, Harold, who passed away years ago, but instilled the qualities of a musician and singer. “Mom has been ecstatic about it. It is very unlikely that lightning strikes twice. I know that dad is up in heaven playing in the biggest honky-tonk having a ball,” according to Montgomery.

Since those beginnings of playing at clubs such as Austin City Saloon in Lexington, the music scene has changed quite a bit. Music venues and acts have come and gone. Eddie recognized the changes as well. “When the DJs came in and the karaoke came in, you miss that live music feel where everyone would get up and sing with the band. A lot of our legends that we grew up on that we loved; we had seen them in night clubs. When you go into a club, or see someone live, that’s who you want to be like. I want to sing like him or her. You want to be able to entertain like that. There is nothing like being in front of a live audience. We've seen it out on the road when new artists that are scared to death with they get out there and they don’t know what to do. They have got a great song that’s on the radio, but they really haven’t played live really. So when they get out in front of a 20, 000 or 100, 000 people at a festival, they lock up because they don’t know what to do.”

Eddie Montgomery maintained his roots in Kentucky, living just outside of Lexington in the community of Danville. He reflected on being raised in the area during our conversation. “I was born and raised here and I reckon that is where they will put me in the ground. I love it here with all the people here. Kentucky is the greatest state in the world. There is no greater place to live,” Eddie said.

When it comes to Kentucky made products, Eddie stated he loves Jim Beam and Ale-8-One. In describing Kentucky music, Montgomery said that, “it is roots, that’s the bottom line. It’s roots – it’s your soul. All of them are somehow or another, are born with a guitar, a radio, or microphone in their hand. Just about anywhere you go; everyone has got a guitar in their house."

However, even with success in the music business, the last few years have been tough for both Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry. From battling cancer to a divorce with Eddie, to Troy’s wife now battling cancer, neither one has given up on living their dream. What keeps them going are their friends and family. “Life is very short and you better live every second of it. I don’t want to be that guy that wishes he would have tried that. At the end of my rainbow, I will probably be the one that says, ‘maybe I shouldn't have tried that.’ I want to do it all. I want to live life to the fullest and I want to try it all,” Eddie said.

Being out on the road for over 20 years, the future of Montgomery Gentry continues to look bright. Both on and off stage, the duo enjoys making music and entertaining others. One day when they look back on their career, Eddie Montgomery said that he had one goal: “No matter where you go, any night club, or any Waffle House, they have a jukebox. You will see Waylon, Willie, Merle Haggard, Rolling Stones, and more. If you can look and find one of our songs on there, then we can sit back and say that we made it.”

Check out Montgomery Gentry on tour by going to www.montgomerygentry.com. Find out more about the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame by going to www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Ceremony Excitement

Tonight is when the big ceremony honoring those in Kentucky music with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony.  I'll be on hand covering the red carpet and the main event.  Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for photos and insights.

I got the chance to talk to Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry about his music roots and about being inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Check out that interview here.

Stay tune for interviews and more of tonight's event!

Who will be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2015?

Montgomery Gentry - Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Today, history comes alive through the sights and sounds of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum 2015 Induction Ceremony will showcase some of Kentucky’s greatest musical talent through live performances from pop icons Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys, country music superstars Montgomery Gentry, acclaimed duo Halfway to Hazard, comedian Pete Stamper, rhythm and blues/doo-wop group The Moonglows, songwriter Larry Cordle, and additional surprise acts, including a moving tribute to the late Doc Hopkins. Tickets to the historic event are still available and include a three-course meal served banquet-style, giving attendees the chance to 'dine with the stars.' Reserve your table today by calling 877-356-3263 or 606-256-1000.

Taking place on Friday, April 10 at the Lexington Center, Bluegrass Ballroom, the ceremony will honor the 2015 class of inductees to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, including Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys, Clarence Spalding, Doc Hopkins, Larry Cordle, Montgomery Gentry, The Moonglows, and Pete Stamper. These honorees will join other Kentucky native music professionals to be eternally recognized for their contributions to music in the state of Kentucky and around the world. The event will also honor those who have lent their time, talent and resources to preserve the state's rich musical heritage.

Since its founding in 2002, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum exists to honor native Kentucky music professionals who have made significant contributions to the music industry in Kentucky and around the world, and to be an educational source for anyone desiring to increase their knowledge of Kentucky’s rich musical heritage. The Hall of Fame extends the prestigious honor of induction to individuals who made a tremendous impact on the world of music and whose roots are deep in the heart of the great state of Kentucky. The interactive museum, nestled in the heart of Renfro Valley, is home to some of the greatest artifacts in musical history. Kids young and old can take an unforgettable journey through Kentucky’s musical past, experiencing new and undying legacies.

For more information on the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum 2015 Induction Ceremony, please visit www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com/induction.html.

Eddie Montgomery living a dream with steakhouse

Eddie Montgomery with John Michael Montgomery - by Jessica Blankenship

Less than a year ago, Eddie Montgomery had a vision and a dream. That vision was to open up his own restaurant within his community. That vision became a reality as Eddie Montgomery's Steakhouse would soon open, complete with a gift shop complete with items from his wife, Tracy.

On Tuesday night, the Montgomery family celebrated their success with a Grand Opening that would benefit Camp Horsin' Around. Camp Horsin' Around is based in Central Kentucky and is a charity that Eddie Montgomery started recently. It benefits children that are terminally ill. "Our kids are our future and I'm hoping that Camp Horsin' Around will help stomp out cancer. Bottom line, this puts them somewhere on a farm with horses, a bunch of my old donkeys, and other farm animals, and they get to be kids. That's what it's all about - to let them be kids."

As fans gathered to the sold out special event, they were greeted as they walked the red carpet, ever fitting with Montgomery's red boots. The menu would consist a choice of steak or grilled salmon, along with a salad, and dessert choice of bread pudding or Jim Beam Pie. The delicious food and atmosphere really was an enjoyable experience.

Eddie was not alone on opening the doors of the special event. He was joined up on stage by fellow friends in the music industry. Craig Morgan, Colt Ford, The Roys, Lucas Hoge, Ira Dean, and Billy Dean all attended to entertain the crowd. John Michael Montgomery, brother, would also perform a few of his hits. Eddie would even perform on his own stage for the first time.

Songwriter Ira Dean is quite involved with the charity and helping Eddie out. "I've been involved with the charity since Eddie called me the first time. When he calls me, I don't mind to help him out. I know it's a good cause."

"It's a great experience. As friends, we do not get to do these kind of things that often. We're all so busy. It's nice to have that opportunity to help out our friends," according to Craig Morgan.

Colt Ford has collaborated with John Michael Montgomery on various projects. The Georgia native said that he soon became friends with Eddie after knowing John for a while. "When your buddy calls where I come from, you just load up and go do it. I was just glad to be here."

Eddie Montgomery definitely has provided a boost to the economy of Harrodsburg by employing about 200 employees. Visitors from all across the country come to the town just to eat at the restaurant. "I think it is great that someone wants to take a piece from here and they want to come and visit from out of state. It's been very humbling how many people have came. When you walk out in the parking lot and you see license plates from the different states, it's really nice," according to Tracy Montgomery, Eddie's wife.

In opening the restaurant, it was quite simple to live that vision and keeping tradition. "Kentucky has always been known for it's music, horses, and I just want to make sure to keep that tradition going. There's so much talent here in Kentucky; it's unbelievable. I see it in here every night. I have a jam night and karaoke night. When you wake up in Kentucky, it's in your blood. If you look down in history, some of your greatest entertainers, whether it's acting or music, it's been homegrown here in Kentucky. I want to make sure that we keep that going."

The biggest challenge according to Eddie is that not being a business guy. "When I see something, I grab it and worry about everything else later." He said that he learned that you have to keep top of things no matter if you are out on the road or not. One person he owes thanks to helping out live this dream is his wife.

"I'm excited for him as this has been his dream to have a restaurant, although his dreams are killing me, that's exciting for him. He's been really busy ever since we opened the restaurant. For him to have a little bit of a break and his brother (John Michael) at the same time is great. They have a lot of stuff coming up that they are working on together. I think it's pretty exciting and to see them both on stage tonight together will be cool too."

When Eddie Montgomery took to the stage Tuesday night to perform for the first time at his restaurant, he sang it best when he played "Lucky Man." Kentucky is honored to have the Montgomery family as a whole to help support the local community through their restaurant and Camp Horsin' Around.

More information on Eddie Montgomery Steakhouse can be found here.

More information on Camp Horsin' Around can be found here.