Jeff Cook, Co-Founding Member Of The Band Alabama, Passes Away At 73

Jeff Cook, co-founding member of one of the most legendary bands in all of country music, Alabama, has passed away. He was 73 years old.     

Cook died on November 7 at his home in Destin, Florida, with family by his side, according to a statement. For a decade he'd battled Parkinson's disease, going public with the diagnosis in 2017. Due to Cook’s health battle, he ceased touring with Alabama in 2018. 

Throughout their career, Alabama won nine CMA Awards, including CMA ‘Entertainer of the Year’ awards three years in a row (1982–1984). Additionally, they took home the CMA Award for ‘Vocal Group of the Year’ from 1981 to 1983 as well as ‘Instrumental Group of the Year’ in 1981 and 1982 and ‘Album of the Year’ for The Closer You Get in 1983. The band was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

"Few bands are more ubiquitous in country music today than Alabama. Jeff was instrumental to Alabama's high energy stage presence and authentic country sound. My deepest condolences to Jeff's family, friends and the band," says Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO.  

According to Instagram: “As a member of Alabama, Cook enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history. Over 50 years ago, Cook, along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen, left Fort Payne to spend the summer playing music in a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina bar called The Bowery. It took Cook, Gentry and Owen six long years of tip jars and word-of-mouth to earn the major label deal they’d been dreaming of. Then, seemingly no time at all to change the face of country music forever. Cook's iconic guitar licks, unique fiddle style, exceptional vocals and harmony, along with his bandmates, went on to sell 80 million albums and charted 43 No. 1 hits, becoming the biggest group in the history of the country genre.”

Cook is survived by his wife of 27 years Lisa Cook, beloved puppies Blazer and Blakely, his mother Betty Cook, his brother David Cook, Crystal Cook, his father-in-law Jerrial Williams, his brother-in-law Randy Williams and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Jeff And Lisa Cook Foundation through the foundation website: thejeffandlisacookfoundation.org

 Arrangements for Cook's “Celebration of Life” will be announced at a later date.