BITTER SWEET, Ky. — We should all be proud of where we came from even if we don’t live there anymore. There is a sense of pride to be felt about one’s hometown, and I hope you feel that pride as I do when I speak of my home in Kentucky.

There have been so many great performers born in the Bluegrass, some famous and some not so much, but still great to me.

Two of those more on the famous side are Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry. Now, you might not recognize those names when listed separately but I’ll bet you know the name Montgomery Gentry.

This duo has been one of the most popular pairs in country music for many years. Their brand of country/rock has of course been a huge hit here, at home. But these guys are known all over the world for their look, their sound and their songs about everyday life.

For some reason, whenever I listen to these guys sing, I’m reminded of the place where I grew up. Whether they are singing about having a good time or about broken romances, they have a hometown feel to whatever they perform.

I think that’s what makes them so popular. They can relate to all in their audiences; young and old, rocker and redneck.

I met each many years ago in separate places before the Montgomery Gentry rocket lifted off and was truly impressed by their friendliness, their commitment to the home crowd; and of course, their music.

Separately these guys are great, but together they create a sound that has obviously influenced many newer groups. Few however, make me feel at home like MG does.

They have a new album out that follows in that tradition. Folks Like Us is a collection of songs that, in their own words, could be their best music yet. The title track was released earlier and it is one of my favorite MG tunes, but there are many that are favorites.

I was again reminded of the small town I grew up in when I first listened to this new collection. But that’s how it’s been from the start, for me, when it comes to their music.

I suppose the older you get the more you reminisce about the past. That can be a good thing and I hope it is good for you.

It looks like these guys have aged well. I know their music has. I think they may have been doing a little reminiscing of their own when they recorded this one.

Here’s to the hometown in all of us and thanks to MG for taking me there every time I hear their music. For that, Montgomery Gentry gets double A’s.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.