Alabama’s Teddy Gentry arrested on marijuana charge

Bass player for legendary county group arrested in his home county

(This story was altered to correct the location of the arrest)

FORT PAYNE, Alabama (WDEF) – A core member of the group Alabama has been charged with marijuana possession near his hometown.

Bass player Teddy Gentry was arrested on Monday during a traffic stop in neighboring Cherokee County.

The 70 year old faces charges of misdemeanor second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gentry formed Alabama with cousins Randy Owen and Jeff Cook in 1969.

After years of slugging it out at bars across the south, the band hit the top of the country charts 1980s.

They racked up more than 40 number one hits on country radio until they disbanded in 2004.

They later reunited and continue to tour.

The group is in the Country Music Hall of Fame and are the most successful band in county music history.