Nashville Industry Remembers Alabama Co-Founder Jeff Cook

Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook passed away on Monday (Nov. 7) at age 73. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012.

Cook contributed lead guitar, vocals, fiddle and keyboard to Alabama, who rose to prominence in the late 1970s and ‘80s with a string of hits that include “Tennessee River,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Song Of The South,” “Mountain Music,” “Feels So Right” and more. The group has amassed more than 41 No. 1 singles and 12 top 10 albums, and is credited with selling more than 75 million records worldwide. He also founded Cook Sound Studios, Inc. in Fort Payne, Alabama and established WQRX-AM in Valley Head, Alabama.

With more than 200 awards from a variety of organizations, Alabama earned three consecutive CMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year (1982-1984) and five ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year (1982-1986). In 1989, Alabama was named Artist of the Decade by the ACM. Cook was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019, and Alabama was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Arrangements for Cook’s celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Jeff And Lisa Cook Foundation (P.O. Box 680067, Fort Payne, AL 35968) or at thejeffandlisacookfoundation.org.

Since the news of his passing, the Nashville music industry has shared their thoughts and condolences for the beloved musician.

“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.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

“Jeff Cook spent a lifetime in music, earning a license as a broadcast engineer before he was old enough to drive a car and working as an on-air radio personality while still in high school. He went on to fame, of course, with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen as a member of multi-Platinum band Alabama, moving from barroom stages to sold-out arenas. Everything he did was rooted in his deep love of music, a love he shared with millions.” – Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

“Jeff Cook was a long-time friend and brother as has been Randy and Teddy over all these times passing! This is a heartbreaking loss for all that knew Jeff. Alabama is in our prayers. Rest in Peace Jeff. Until the day…” – The Oak Ridge Boys

“We ran a lot of roads together back in the ’80s. I was proud to tour with Alabama for four years! Night after night I watched them create magic like I had never seen before. Jeff was a unique part of the group Alabama and a really good guitar player and fiddle player. We thought we were forever young. This one hits hard. Go rest high on that mountain, Jeff Cook.” – Lee Greenwood

“Such sad news today with the passing of Jeff Cook. Many years ago, Jack Greene and I were asked to judge a talent contest, not something I’m comfortable with as I don’t feel qualified to ever judge another talent. However, we chose the group that became Alabama. We shared a lot of laughs about that and I joked I would never judge another contest as I was gonna quit a winner. Jeff was such an integral part of the group, both on and off stage. He was a talented musician and singer, but he also had the personality to connect with friends and fans alike. My heart is heavy tonight.” – Jeannie Seely

“Some of my best times in country music were while sharing the stage with Jeff Cook. I had a wonderful opportunity to open for Jeff and the band many years ago. Whenever I would run into him he would always mention me being on the show with them back in Atlanta in the mid-80s. He was very kind to remember what was probably a very small thing to him and the band. Alabama, but it was such a huge thing for this country boy. Godspeed, Jeff.” – John Berry

So sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook. I spent a lot of my life listening to him play guitar, what an iconic sound he had. I got a chance to perform with him multiple times over the years and I will never forget it.

?: Rick Diamond pic.twitter.com/7v4zqKpSjG

— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) November 8, 2022

Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from @TheAlabamaBand. Such a great guy an one heckuva bass fisherman. He will be truly missed.

— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) November 8, 2022