Introduction
BREAKING: 70-Year-Old Teddy Gentry of Alabama Arrested on Drug Charges
Legendary country band Alabama is in the headlines again—this time for an unexpected reason. Teddy Gentry, the group’s celebrated bassist and founding member, was arrested in Cherokee County, Alabama, on September 12, 2022. The 70-year-old musician was booked on misdemeanor charges of second‑degree marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia during a routine traffic stop
According to local officials, law enforcement initiated the stop after noticing Gentry’s vehicle was speeding. Upon inspection, deputies reportedly discovered both marijuana and paraphernalia inside. Gentry was processed at the Cherokee County Jail at 10:38 a.m. and released on his own recognizance approximately half an hour later. Under Alabama law, second-degree marijuana charges are treated as misdemeanors aimed at personal use, not distribution
A spokesman for the band confirmed that Gentry was aware of the incident but had no immediate public comment. Despite the arrest, representatives emphasized that the upcoming tour and scheduled performances would continue as planned. At the time, Alabama was in the midst of a fall tour, including stops in Denver and Wichita later that month
Teddy Gentry co-founded Alabama in Fort Payne alongside cousins Randy Owen and Jeff Cook in the late 1960s. The group quickly rose to fame in the 1980s, scoring 21 consecutive No. 1 hits and selling over 75 million albums worldwide. Known for hits like “Mountain Music” and “Dixieland Delight,” the band earned a coveted spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005
This incident serves as a rare off‑stage moment for a musician whose reputation has largely avoided controversy. With the charges being relatively minor and Gentry released swiftly, public and fan response has remained largely supportive. Legal proceedings are expected to continue, though the outcome is likely to result in fines or community service, a typical resolution for misdemeanor possession in Alabama.
For now, Gentry remains a key part of Alabama’s iconic sound and legacy—his talent as a bassist and songwriter still resonating with fans across generations.