Jeff Cook was a co-founder of the wildly popular country band Alabama, playing guitar, fiddle, and keyboards as well as singing backing vocals.
- Died: November 7, 2022 (Who else died on November 7?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Destin, Florida of complications from Parkinson’s disease at the age of 73.
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Alabama
Cook formed Alabama in the late 1960s along with his cousins, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. They initially called the band Wild Country, changing the name to Alabama in 1977, not long before their first success. They had their first hit with the ballad “I Wanna Come Over” in 1979, and they soon rocketed to the top of the country music charts with their first No. 1 single, 1980’s “Tennessee River.” Alabama dominated the country music charts throughout the 80s and early 90s with 32 No. 1 hits and several songs that crossed over to mainstream success, including “Love in the First Degree” and “Take Me Down.”
Cook’s lead guitar and fiddle drove the band’s influential country-rock sound. They were one of the first successful country bands, in contrast to the solo artists who had led the genre for decades, paving the way for other country bands in the future. Their popularity and crossover style brought new fans to country music, yet they were still beloved by the country music establishment. They were named Entertainer of the Year from the Country Music Association three consecutive years, as well as being called Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music in 1989.
In addition to his work with Alabama, Cook worked as a solo artist, forming the Allstar Goodtime Band and working with other musicians including Charlie Daniels (1936–2020). He founded Cook Sound Studios and opened a restaurant.
Cook on Alabama’s success
“It was a combination of enjoyment and hard work. We had to work hard to get that recognition and to get played on the air, and to do interviews and TV shows. Fortunately all of it came out to the positive. We were able to give back to the charities.” —from a 2009 interview for the Boot
Tributes to Jeff Cook
Full obituary: The Tennessean
