Alabama Co-Founder Teddy Gentry Arrested On Drug Charge

Bass player and founding member of the Grammy-winning country band Alabama was arrested on Monday, September 13, charged with a misdemeanor drug offense. Read on and we’ll give you the low down.

Alabama – In And Out In 30

Jail records show that Gentry, 70, was booked on suspicion of unlawful possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor in the state that’s also the band’s namesake, per News 19.

Gentry was also booked for possession of drug paraphernalia according to the Cherokee County [Alabama] Sheriff’s Office. He was booked at the Cherokee County Detention Center at 10:38 AM EST Monday and was subsequently released by 11:06 records show.

Gentry reportedly could not be reached for comment Tuesday at numbers connected to his home in Dekalb County, according to PEOPLE Magazine.

Is Alabama Retiring Or Not?

The country band Alabama, formed in Fort Payne, Alabama in 1969, was started by three cousins Gentry, Randy Own, and Jeff Cook. By the time the 80s rolled around Alabama had become one of country music’s most successful bands with numerous hit tunes as well as some platinum albums. Originally calling themselves Wild Country, the band later changed their name to Alabama in 1977.

Alabama is known for such popular songs as “Tennessee River,” “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” “The Closer You Get,” “Song of the South,” and “Roll On (Eighteen-Wheeler).” The hit country group announced they were retiring from music in 2007, but they obviously couldn’t stay away. According to NBC affiliate WFLA News, they have returned to playing and are currently scheduled to perform on September 23 in Denver Colorado, per Ticketmaster.

It is unclear at this juncture whether Gentry’s arrest will negatively impact any of the band’s scheduled appearances. We’ll have to wait and see.

Weed Not Yet Legal In Alabama

According to the Alabama statute under which Gentry has been charged, unlawful possession (of marijuana) in the second degree indicates that the drug is believed to have been for personal use only which makes both of Gentry’s charges misdemeanors as recreational use of cannabis is not yet legal in Alabama.

According to Al.com Sheriff Jeff Shaver said that the arrest came during a traffic stop when Gentry was pulled over for speeding. Alabama fans can rest easy, for now, as a representative for the band told PEOPLE that the arrest was not expected to conflict with the band’s upcoming tour dates that will be going on through the month of December.

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