Toby Keith accepts an award onstage from BMI VP of Creative Nashville, Clay Bradley and president and CEO of BMI Mike O’Neill for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI held its 2022 Country Awards Tuesday night (Nov. 8) at its Music Row location. The evening celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed country songs of the previous year, naming the Country Songwriter, Song, and Publisher of the Year. The 70th edition of the awards also honored the prolific musical career of BMI Icon Award recipient Toby Keith.
BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the ceremony, along with Clay Bradley, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville. Steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables were served in addition to hors d’oeuvres and individual casings of desserts at each place setting.
Pictured (L-R): BMI President and Chief Executive Officer Mike O’Neill, BMI Vice President of Creative Clay Bradley, BMI songwriter of the year Michael Hardy, BMIs Assistant Vice President, Creative Leslie Roberts and BMI executive VP creative & licensing, Mike Steinberg. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI’s Country Songwriter of the Year went to Music Row hitmaker Michael Hardy, marking his first time achieving the honor. Hardy wrote five of BMI’s award-winning songs of the night, including Dierks Bentley’s “Beers On Me,” Blake Shelton’s “Come Back As A Country Boy,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
“I want to thank BMI so much for being here for me every single step of the way, for introducing me to some of my favorite collaborators that I still write with to this day,” Hardy said. “For creating opportunities for me that helped advance my songwriting career. I can honestly say without a doubt that I don’t know where I would be in this town if that 19-year-old kid wouldn’t have walked into this building and blindly signed. Thank you so, so much.”
Luke Combs, Rob Williford and Drew Parker attend the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
“Forever After All,” co-written and recorded by BMI affiliate Luke Combs, was named BMI Country Song of the Year as it was BMI’s most performed country song of the year. Published by 50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Oak Tree Swing Publishing, Rowdy Rob Music, Straight Dimes Music, and Sony/ATV Tree, “Forever After All” was written by frequent collaborators Combs, Drew Parker, and Rob Williford.
Sony Music Publishing took home BMI’s Country Publisher of the Year. The company published 25 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including megahits such as Kelsea Ballerini’s “Half of My Hometown,” Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Kane Brown’s “One Mississippi,” Lambert’s “If I Was A Cowboy,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots.”
Click here for a complete list of the 2022 BMI Country Awards winners.
Throughout the night, BMI turned its attention to its 2022 Icon Award recipient Toby Keith, who joined the ranks of other Icon Award recipients Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Jr., and others.
Carrie Underwood performs onstage for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
In between awards, the hosts shared video tributes, kind words about Keith, and invite performers up to tribute the hit artist. Carrie Underwood took on Keith’s 1993 hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” complete with a singalong, while Eric Church did his own spin of 2003’s “I Love This Bar.” Dean Dillon and Scotty Emerick, who had been a big part of the video tributes, took on the 2006 hit the three co-wrote, “A Little Too Late.”
Keith gave a special speech about how he became affiliated with BMI and how they’ve stuck by him since. He talked about going to sit in a young Clay Bradley’s office after people in town had advised Keith to “get affiliated.”
“Since 1990 or ’91, I have been affiliated with the greatest organization in the music business. That’s BMI,” he said.
Keith made sure to recognize key figures in his career such as legendary producer and executive Harold Shedd, renowned record-maker James Stroud, the late Nelson Larkin, and his frequent collaborators Dillon, Emerick, Bobby Pinson, and Rivers Rutherford.
He also thanked his family and his team, specifically long-time manager TK Kimbrell and agent Curt Motley.
“I knew that even if I didn’t make it as an artist, that maybe somebody would cut my songs. I always felt like the songwriting was the most important part of this whole industry,” Keith said.
When closing, Keith doubled down on his love for songwriting, saying, “All I ever cared about was the Songwriter Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, and BMI Icon.”
Nashville Industry Remembers Alabama Co-Founder Jeff Cook
/by Lydia FarthingJeff Cook. Photo: Alan Messer
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
The War And Treaty Drop Surprise EP Ahead Of CMA Awards Performance
/by Lorie HollabaughThe War And Treaty. Photo: Kit Wood
Ahead of their first-ever CMA Awards performance tonight (Nov. 9), husband-and-wife duo The War And Treaty have dropped their surprise EP, Blank Page.
“We could not be more excited to release this new body of work into the atmosphere and give fans a chance to experience the heart of our upcoming album,” The War And Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. explains. “The song ‘Blank Page’ came at a pivotal moment for Tanya and I because, much like everyone else trying to find their footing after the pandemic, we felt as if we were starting over and that can leave anyone feeling crippling or euphoric. It all depends on how you see it…and it just so happen that this time for us it’s euphoric.”
The four-song project, produced by Dave Cobb, is a preview of their forthcoming album on Mercury Nashville, and includes new tracks like the rootsy R&B title track; “Dumb Luck,” which offers a gospel grit; their new single “Lover’s Game;” and “That’s How Love Is Made.”
The Americana Music Association’s 2022 Duo/Group of the Year wraps their “Hearts On Fire Tour” this weekend, with stops in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Nov. 11) and Washington D.C. (Nov. 12).
1. “That’s How Love Is Made” – Written by Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Dave Barnes
2. “Lover’s Game” – Written by Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Dave Cobb
3. “Blank Page” – Written by Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter
4. “Dumb Luck” – Written by Beau Bedford
BMI Celebrates 2022 Country Award Winners, Honors Toby Keith With Icon Award
/by LB CantrellToby Keith accepts an award onstage from BMI VP of Creative Nashville, Clay Bradley and president and CEO of BMI Mike O’Neill for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI held its 2022 Country Awards Tuesday night (Nov. 8) at its Music Row location. The evening celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed country songs of the previous year, naming the Country Songwriter, Song, and Publisher of the Year. The 70th edition of the awards also honored the prolific musical career of BMI Icon Award recipient Toby Keith.
BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the ceremony, along with Clay Bradley, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville. Steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables were served in addition to hors d’oeuvres and individual casings of desserts at each place setting.
Pictured (L-R): BMI President and Chief Executive Officer Mike O’Neill, BMI Vice President of Creative Clay Bradley, BMI songwriter of the year Michael Hardy, BMIs Assistant Vice President, Creative Leslie Roberts and BMI executive VP creative & licensing, Mike Steinberg. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI’s Country Songwriter of the Year went to Music Row hitmaker Michael Hardy, marking his first time achieving the honor. Hardy wrote five of BMI’s award-winning songs of the night, including Dierks Bentley’s “Beers On Me,” Blake Shelton’s “Come Back As A Country Boy,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
“I want to thank BMI so much for being here for me every single step of the way, for introducing me to some of my favorite collaborators that I still write with to this day,” Hardy said. “For creating opportunities for me that helped advance my songwriting career. I can honestly say without a doubt that I don’t know where I would be in this town if that 19-year-old kid wouldn’t have walked into this building and blindly signed. Thank you so, so much.”
Luke Combs, Rob Williford and Drew Parker attend the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
“Forever After All,” co-written and recorded by BMI affiliate Luke Combs, was named BMI Country Song of the Year as it was BMI’s most performed country song of the year. Published by 50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Oak Tree Swing Publishing, Rowdy Rob Music, Straight Dimes Music, and Sony/ATV Tree, “Forever After All” was written by frequent collaborators Combs, Drew Parker, and Rob Williford.
Sony Music Publishing took home BMI’s Country Publisher of the Year. The company published 25 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including megahits such as Kelsea Ballerini’s “Half of My Hometown,” Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Kane Brown’s “One Mississippi,” Lambert’s “If I Was A Cowboy,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots.”
Click here for a complete list of the 2022 BMI Country Awards winners.
Throughout the night, BMI turned its attention to its 2022 Icon Award recipient Toby Keith, who joined the ranks of other Icon Award recipients Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Jr., and others.
Carrie Underwood performs onstage for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
In between awards, the hosts shared video tributes, kind words about Keith, and invite performers up to tribute the hit artist. Carrie Underwood took on Keith’s 1993 hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” complete with a singalong, while Eric Church did his own spin of 2003’s “I Love This Bar.” Dean Dillon and Scotty Emerick, who had been a big part of the video tributes, took on the 2006 hit the three co-wrote, “A Little Too Late.”
Keith gave a special speech about how he became affiliated with BMI and how they’ve stuck by him since. He talked about going to sit in a young Clay Bradley’s office after people in town had advised Keith to “get affiliated.”
“Since 1990 or ’91, I have been affiliated with the greatest organization in the music business. That’s BMI,” he said.
Keith made sure to recognize key figures in his career such as legendary producer and executive Harold Shedd, renowned record-maker James Stroud, the late Nelson Larkin, and his frequent collaborators Dillon, Emerick, Bobby Pinson, and Rivers Rutherford.
He also thanked his family and his team, specifically long-time manager TK Kimbrell and agent Curt Motley.
“I knew that even if I didn’t make it as an artist, that maybe somebody would cut my songs. I always felt like the songwriting was the most important part of this whole industry,” Keith said.
When closing, Keith doubled down on his love for songwriting, saying, “All I ever cared about was the Songwriter Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, and BMI Icon.”
Nate Smith Slates Self-Titled Debut For February
/by Lorie HollabaughNate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Breakout singer-songwriter Nate Smith is gearing up for the release of his self-titled, debut album on Arista Nashville on Feb. 17.
The album includes his current Gold-certified single “Whiskey On You,” which is top 15 and climbing at country radio, as well as recent releases “I Found You” and “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven.”
Smith’s journey to Nashville and the challenges he endured along the way inspired the new music, including losing his hometown of Paradise, California to the deadliest and most destructive fire in the state’s history. Following the fire, he turned to music to cope, eventually taking a cross-country road trip to Nashville to pursue music full-time.
Smith is ready for a busy 2023, as he’ll be joining Thomas Rhett on his “Home Team Tour 23,” which kicks off May 4 in Des Moines and will visit 40 cities next summer. He was also recently named part of the Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022. He’ll take the stage on Nov. 20 for Opry NextStage Live In Concert alongside other 2022 NextStage artists.
Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson Celebrate Early CMA Award Wins
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce & Cody Johnson
With only a few hours before the 56th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a handful of early winners have already been announced. Among them are Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce‘s “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” earning trophies for CMA Musical Event of the Year, and Cody Johnson taking home the win for CMA Music Video of the Year for “‘Til You Can’t,” directed by Dustin Haney.
The announcement took place live on ABC’s Good Morning America from Bridgestone Plaza in downtown Nashville. Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban took the stage to perform a medley of his hit songs, including “Better Life,” “Long Hot Summer,” “Raise ‘Em Up” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” along with additional performances of “Brown Eyes Baby” and “Wasted Time.”
The 56th Annual CMA Awards begins at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Artists taking the CMA Awards stage include Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, host Luke Bryan, Brandy Clark, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Combs, Caylee Hammack, Hardy, Johnson, Elle King, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, McBryde, Reba McEntire, John Osborne, Jon Pardi, Pearce, Katy Perry, Pillbox Patti, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, The Black Keys, The War and Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Zac Brown Band.
Presenters for the night’s festivities include Mookie Betts, Breland, Jessica Chastain, Jordan Davis, Sarah Drew, Cole Hauser, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Lady A, Rex Linn, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Ben and Erin Napier, Jeannie Seely, Michael Shannon and Wilson.
Chris Tomlin Announces ‘Stories Of Worship Tour’ For Spring 2023
/by Liza AndersonChristian artist Chris Tomlin has announced his 2023 headline “Stories of Worship Tour,” beginning this spring. As he travels across the nation, Tomlin will lead attendees through worship while sharing stories about some of his most influential songs around the world.
Premier Productions will serve as the national tour promoter. For Others, a Tennessee-based Christian nonprofit founded by Tomlin and his wife Lauren that seeks to help those impacted by the foster care system, will serve as the tour sponsor.
The 28x Dove Award winner and 2022 show co-host embarked on the final leg of the “Tomlin United Tour” on Thursday (Nov. 4), which will continue through November. The decorated entertainer is also set to co-headline the “Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour” in December alongside MercyMe.
He is currently sitting in the top 10 on the Christian chart with radio single, “Always.” The hit tune is featured on his recently released worship album of the same name. The collection consists of 13 tracks, 12 of which Tomlin co-wrote.
“As a young man I can remember the moment I felt God place a calling on my life… to help give people a voice to worship Him… it was like lightning ran through my body and that is when everything changed for me,” shares Tomlin. “The songs that came after that moment have traveled to so many places, touched so many people and are a part of so many stories that only God can get credit. I have dreamt about a tour focused on the stories surrounding those songs where I could share these God moments, share some funny human moments, and worship together… and I am so excited for the opportunity to do exactly that! I hope you will join me this Spring for a night unlike any other.”
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
*Tickets on sale Nov. 18.
2023 “Stories Of Worship Tour” Dates:
Thu, Feb. 23 – San Antonio, TX
Fri, Feb. 24 – College Station, TX
Sat, Feb. 25 – Monroe, LA
Sun, Feb. 26 – Hattiesburg, MS
Thu, Mar. 2 – Detroit, MI
Fri, Mar. 3 – South Barrington, IL
Sat, Mar. 4 – Michigan City, IN
Sun, Mar. 5 – Fort Wayne, IN
Wed, Mar. 8 – Valdosta, GA
Thu, Mar. 9 – Pensacola, FL
Fri, Mar. 10 – Alexandria, LA
Thu, Mar. 23 – Ft. Myers, FL
Fri, Mar. 24 – Melbourne, FL
Sat, Mar. 25 – Montgomery, AL
Sun, Mar. 26 – Ocala, FL
Thu, Mar. 30 – Texarkana, TX
Fri, Mar. 31 – Austin, TX
Sat, Apr. 1 – Amarillo, TX
Sun, Apr. 2 – Colorado Springs, CO
Thu, Apr. 13 – Hixson, TN (Chattanooga)
Fri, Apr. 14 – Lexington, SC
Sat, Apr. 15 – Greenville, SC
Sun, Apr. 16 – Grove City, OH (Columbus)
Thu, Apr. 20 – Mason, OH (Cincinnati)*
Fri, Apr. 21 – Mason, OH (Cincinnati)*
Sat, Apr. 22 – Anderson, IN
Sun, Apr. 23 – Grand Rapids, MI
In Pictures: ASCAP Celebrates Country Music Awards Winners
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Paul Williams, Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder, ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
ASCAP celebrated the winners of the 60th annual Country Music Awards Monday night (Nov. 7) at an invitation-only event at Soho House Nashville.
As previously announced, Ashley Gorley walked away with the trophy for ASCAP’s Country Music Songwriter of the Year for the ninth time. “Famous Friends” won Country Music Song of the Year and Warner Chappell Music was ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Paul Williams, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Songwriters of many of the most-performed country songs of the past year were in attendance along with many of the artists who performed them. Among the ASCAP executives attending were songwriter, Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, CEO Elizabeth Matthews, Nashville VP of Membership Mike Sistad, Nashville AVP Kele Currier and Senior Director Evyn Mustoe, as well as new Nashville membership representatives Duane Hobson and Travis Carter, who visited with honorees, catching up after a two-year pandemic-mandated break from live events.
On the menu was beef tenderloin, roasted salmon, mini crab cakes, tuna tartare, charcuterie and an assortment of appetizers. There were specialty cocktails such as “No. 9,” named after Gorley’s ninth win, and “Famous Friends” in addition to a Tennessee whiskey flight.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP honorees John Martin and Garth Brooks. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
ASCAP honoree Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP honoree TJ Osborne, ASCAP’s Paul Williams, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP honoree John Osborne. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Ashley McBryde To Host ‘Homes For The Holidays’ TV Special Presented By Tunnel To Towers
/by Lorie HollabaughHomes for the Holidays, a TV special hosted by Ashley McBryde, is set to air from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day across multiple network affiliates, including Fox, Scripps, and Gray stations.
Presented by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the organization invited a variety of country music artists to present Gold Star and fallen first responder families with mortgage-free homes during the event. The TV special will feature Cole Hauser from Yellowstone, Travis Tritt, Bret Michaels, Ian Munsick, Runaway June, and Robert Randolph.
“What better way to celebrate the meaning of the holiday season than by helping Tunnel to Towers showcase the love, resilience and hope of these military and first responder families,” McBryde shares.
Throughout the special, families will share their stories and discuss how the organization impacted their lives. The show was filmed all over the U.S., including at The Mulehouse in Columbia, Tennessee; Santa’s Pub in Nashville’; and more.
“For our Gold Star families and fallen first responder families, every day without their hero is painful, but the holiday season can bring about its own particular wave of grief. At the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, our hope is that the security of a mortgage-free home, the guarantee that they will never have to leave the place where they created so many holiday memories, eases that burden of grief just a little bit,” explains Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. “We have a very special relationship with the country music community, and it means the world to us that Ashley, Cole, Travis, Bret, Ian, the members of Runaway June, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band are supporting us in our mission.”
Since Sept. 11, 2001, Tunnel to Towers has been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and by building custom-designed smart homes for injured veterans and first responders.
Alabama’s Jeff Cook Dies At 73
/by LB CantrellJeff Cook. Photo: Alan Messer
Jeff Cook, a founding member and guitarist of the country supergroup Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday (Nov. 7) at his home in Destin, Florida. Cook was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, Fiddlers Hall of Fame and Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year.
Jeff Cook
Born Jeffrey Alan Cook in Fort Payne, Alabama on August 27, 1949, he began playing guitar and keyboards in bands by the age of 13. After securing a broadcast license at age 14, Cook went to work as a disc jockey at a local Fort Payne radio station. He eventually went on to own radio and TV stations. Cook graduated from Fort Payne High School and went to college at Gadsden State Community College, earning a degree in Electronic Technology.
Cook formed Alabama along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen. After six years of hard work, the band earned a record deal and the rest was history. Alabama became one of the most successful acts in country music history, selling more than 80 million albums and charting 43 No. 1 hits. Their iconic hits include “Song of the South,” “Dixieland Delight,” “I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why),” “Mountain Music,” “Take Me Down,” “Feels So Right,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band),” and many more.
Alabama’s Jeff Cook, Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry. Photo: Rick Diamond
Alabama was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Cook’s technical skill was an integral part of their success. The accomplished musician could play piano, guitar, fiddle, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, and more. He is credited for introducing the electric double neck guitar to country music.
Jeff Cook married the love of his life, Lisa Williams, on June 9, 1995. The Cooks resided in “Cook Castle” atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, as well as in Guntersville, Alabama and Destin/Miramar Beach, Florida. Cook also built Cook Sound Studios in Fort Payne, which allowed him to help musicians share their music with others.
The award-winning guitarist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. He stopped touring with Alabama in 2018 due to his diagnosis. He was known for his positive attitude despite his physical challenges.
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. Cook was preceded in death by his father James Cook and his mother-in-law, JoAnn Williams.
With his profound desire to help others, The Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation was formed along with The Jeff and Lisa Cook Children’s Home to house orphaned children worldwide, starting in the Philippines. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the foundation.
Arrangements for Cook’s Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Caroline Jones Joins Zac Brown Band As First Full-Time Female Band Member
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord
Caroline Jones is adding a little female power to the Zac Brown Band, officially joining as a full-time band member. This makes her the first and only female in the eight-piece group.
Jones will join the band for tours, performances, appearances, and in the studio, in addition to maintaining her solo career. She will also join the group for the 2022 CMA Awards tomorrow night (Nov. 9).
Caroline Jones. Photo: Tracy Alison
Jones first opened for Zac Brown Band on their 2017 tour and was asked back for the following two tours. The band asked her to join 2021’s “The Comeback Tour” as a special guest band member, and then extended the invitation again for their current “Out In The Middle Tour.”
The band also invited the singer-songwriter to perform with them at this year’s CMA Fest, 2021 CMA Awards, and to open for the Rolling Stones at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, among other performances and appearances.
Musically, Zac Brown has become a close mentor to Jones and is a co-producer on her hit track “So Many Skies” featuring Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey, which is featured on her sophomore album, Antipodes. The 13-track project debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes Country charts, and features her first top 30 hit, “Come In (But Don’t Make Yourself Comfortable).”