Net Worth Ranker
What Is Eddie Montgomery’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Eddie Montgomery, the American country music singer best known as one half of the duo Montgomery Gentry, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This valuation reflects his successful career in the music industry, primarily through album sales, touring, and other ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Gerald Edward “Eddie” Montgomery was born on September 30, 1963, in Danville, Kentucky. Music was a significant part of his early life. By the age of 13, Eddie was playing drums in his parents’ band, Harold Montgomery and the Kentucky River Express. This early exposure instilled in him a deep appreciation for country music legends like Hank Williams, Jr., Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard. He was also influenced by the Southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1990, Montgomery founded the band Early Tymz, which included his younger brother, John Michael Montgomery, and Troy Gentry. After Early Tymz disbanded, the Montgomery brothers and Gentry briefly performed as Young Country, with John Michael as the lead vocalist. John Michael Montgomery pursued a solo career in the early 1990s.
Montgomery Gentry: Formation and Success
When Troy Gentry couldn’t secure a solo record deal, he reunited with Eddie Montgomery, and in 1999, they officially formed Montgomery Gentry. The duo signed with Columbia Records’ Nashville division. Their debut album, “Tattoos & Scars,” was released in 1999. The album’s first single, “Hillbilly Shoes,” reached number 13 on the Country Billboard Top 40. A total of five songs from the duo’s first album appeared on the Country Music top 40, including “All Night Long” and their first top 5 hit, “Lonely and Gone.” The Recording Industry Association of America recognized “Tattoos & Scars” as certified platinum, signifying over one million copies sold. In 2001, Montgomery Gentry released their second album, “Carrying On,” which earned certified gold status.
Musical Achievements and Awards
Montgomery Gentry has achieved significant recognition in the country music scene. They have had over twenty top 40 chart singles and five number 1 hits. Their chart-topping singles include “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” (2004), “Something to Be Proud Of” (2005), “Lucky Man” (2007), “Back When I Knew It All” (2008), and “Roll with Me” (2008). The duo’s first, third, and fourth albums — 1999’s “Tattoos & Scars”, 2002’s “My Town” and 2004’s “You Do Your Thing” — are all certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of one million copies. 2001’s “Carrying On”, 2005’s “Something to Be Proud Of: The Best of 1999–2005”, and 2006’s “Some People Change” are all certified gold.
They won Favorite New Artist-Country at the American Music Awards in 1999. In 2000, both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association named them Duo of the Year. Montgomery Gentry was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2009 and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2008, “Lucky Man” was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Montgomery Gentry Album Sales and Notable Performances
Montgomery Gentry’s third album, “My Town,” released in 2002, was a significant success. The album spawned three Top 5 singles: “My Town,” “Speed,” and “Hell Yeah.” “My Town” is Montgomery Gentry’s best-selling album to date, achieving platinum certification. Montgomery Gentry has toured extensively, including a stint on Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour in the summer of 2009. Their “For Our Heroes” album, released exclusively through Cracker Barrel in 2009, sold over 25,900 copies in its first week, setting a record for the restaurant chain.
Solo Work and Continued Touring
Following the tragic death of Troy Gentry in 2017, Eddie Montgomery has continued to honor the Montgomery Gentry legacy while also pursuing a solo career. On October 29, 2021, Montgomery released his first studio album as a solo artist titled “Ain’t No Closing Me Down” via Average Joes Entertainment label. The album features two singles “Alive And Well” and “My Son”. Montgomery continues to tour under the Montgomery Gentry name, keeping the duo’s music alive for fans.
Financial Challenges and Bankruptcy
Despite their success, Eddie Montgomery has faced financial challenges. In January 2014, he filed for individual bankruptcy, listing $13.4 million in liabilities and $1.9 million in assets. A significant portion of his debts stemmed from a failed restaurant venture, Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse, which closed in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He had guaranteed the business loans, leading to substantial claims against him. A house on 273 acres in Boyle County, co-owned with his then-wife Tracy Nunan, was listed for sale at $1.25 million, with Montgomery surrendering his interest in the property to the banks.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Eddie Montgomery’s former property, a 275-acre farm in Perryville, Kentucky, was listed for sale. The property featured a 7,500-square-foot Colonial-style home completed in 2001, a guest house with a recording studio, a six-stall horse barn, a workshop, and an equipment shed. Eddie Montgomery has been married multiple times and has several children. He married Jennifer Belcher in April 2014. He was previously married to Tracy Wells, Jo Cox and Jennifer Cain.
Other Ventures and Collaborations
Beyond music, Eddie Montgomery has explored other creative avenues. In 2022, he co-authored a children’s book titled “Police Officers, Our Friends!” with Randy Graham. Montgomery Gentry has collaborated with various artists, including Charlie Daniels, Toby Keith, Five for Fighting, and members of The Allman Brothers Band. These collaborations have broadened their appeal and added to their musical versatility.
