Jeff Cook, founder of the famous Country Music Hall of Fame band Alabama, died at the age of 73 in Destin, Florida on November 7, 2022 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
What happened to Alabama’s Jeff Cook?
Jeff Cook, co-founder and guitarist of the renowned country group Alabama, passed away on November 7, 2022 at his home in Destin, Florida. He was 73 years old. The cause of his death was Parkinson’s disease, according to Don Murry Grubbs, the band’s representative.
As a talented musician, Jeff Cook, along with his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, achieved significant success with Alabama. Their impressive journey on the country charts included scoring eight No. 1 songs between the spring of 1980 and the summer of 1982. Some of their popular hits during that time included “Song of the South,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Love In The First Degree” , “Feels So Right,” “Tennessee River,” and “Mountain Music.”
Alabama’s achievements did not go unnoticed, as they were awarded CMA’s Entertainer of the Year for three consecutive years from 1982 to 1985, and received five ACM Entertainer of the Year trophies from 1981 to 1985. In 2005, Jeff Cook and his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, Jeff Cook’s tour with Alabama ended in 2018 after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. However, he continued his musical journey through solo projects and touring with his Allstar Goodtime Band. Namely, in some projects he collaborated with Charlie Daniels and the star of “Star Trek” William Shatner.
Jeff Cook’s 2015 co-written song, “No Bad Days,” took on deep meaning following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. She became a source of support and encouragement from fans who quoted the song and sent him heartfelt letters, notes and emails, all signed with the phrase “No Bad Days”.
Born on August 27, 1949 in Fort Payne, Alabama, Jeff Cook graduated from Jacksonville State University. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Williams, mother, sister and brother.
Despite his health problems, Jeff Cook continued to make significant contributions to the world of music. In 2022, he participated in Alabama’s 50th anniversary tour, demonstrating his continuing passion for performing. However, on November 7, 2022, Jeff Cook’s battle with Parkinson’s disease ended and he passed away in Destin, Florida, leaving behind a lasting legacy on the country music scene.
Obituary of Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook, the founder and iconic guitarist of the respected supergroup ALABAMA, has passed away. The respected musician, who was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Fiddler Hall of Fame, and was honored as Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year, passed away peacefully on November 7th. Surrounded by his family and close friends at his beach house in Destin, Florida, Cook succumbed to Parkinson’s disease at the age of 73. Throughout his life, Cook was an award-winning guitarist and bravely faced his battle with a positive attitude.
Jeffrey Alan Cook was born on August 27, 1949 in Fort Payne, Alabama. At the age of 13, he got into music playing lead guitar and keyboards in bands. Incredibly, he received his broadcasting license just three days after turning 14, launching his career as a disc jockey at a local Fort Payne radio station. His love for radio and electronics remained constant, eventually leading him to own radio and TV stations. After graduating from Fort Payne High School, Cook earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic technology from Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama. In recognition of his achievements, he was named an “Outstanding Alumnus” by the American Association of Community Colleges. Music and electronics were two of Cook’s greatest passions, and he loved how radio combined the two.
In 1995, Cook married the love of his life, Lisa Williams. They lived at “Cook Castle” atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, AL, Guntersville, AL, and Destin/Miramar Beach, FL.
As a member of ALABAMA, Cook enjoyed an extremely successful career, leaving an indelible mark on country music history. He, along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen, embarked on the journey more than 50 years ago, leaving Fort Payne to play music in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It took the trio six years of persistence, relying on tips and word of mouth, before they finally secured a deal with a major label that fulfilled their dreams. ALABAMA rose to fame quickly, changing the face of country music forever. Cook’s unforgettable guitar playing, signature fiddle style, exceptional vocals and harmonies, along with his bandmates, propelled the group to sell 80 million albums and score an impressive 43 No. 1 hits, becoming the biggest group in country music history.
Due to health issues, Cook stopped touring with ALABAMA in 2018. However, with his encouragement and blessings, the band continued because Cook wanted “the music to never stop and the fun to never end.”
Driven by a deep desire to help others, Cook and his wife Lisa founded the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation, along with the Jeff and Lisa Cook Children’s Home, with the goal of providing homes for orphaned children around the world, starting in the Philippines.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years Lisa Cook, his beloved dogs Blazer and Blakely, his mother Betty Cook, his brother David Cook, his daughter Crystal Cook, his father-in-law Jerrial Williams, his brother-in-law Randy Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews, Cook leaves behind fond memories. He was preceded in death by his father, James Cook, and his mother-in-law, JoAnn Williams.
Jeffrey Alan Cook will always be grateful for his loving family, dear friends and most importantly, his devoted fans. His music and legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
Cause of death
Jeff Cook’s cause of death was Parkinson’s disease. He has battled the disease since he was diagnosed in 2012. Despite facing the challenges of the disease, Cook has shown tremendous courage and a positive attitude throughout his journey. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated, leading to his death on November 7, 2022, at the age of 73. Cook left this world peacefully at his beach house in Destin, Florida, surrounded by his family and close friends.
Specific details related to his cause of death were not mentioned in the previous content. However, it is clear that Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, was the underlying factor that led to his death.
Who was Jeffrey Cook?
Jeffrey Alan Cook, born August 27, 1949, was a celebrated American country musician who left a lasting impact on the world of music. His significant contribution as the founder of the renowned band Alabama earned him wide recognition and praise. Cook’s versatility as a musician was second to none, as he skillfully handled a variety of musical instruments, including the guitar, violin, piano, etc.
One of his defining features in Alabama was his occasional lead vocals, which gave the band’s sound a distinctive edge. Throughout his illustrious career, Cook’s talent and dedication to his craft resonated with audiences around the world, making him a beloved figure in the country music scene.
Sadly, Jeffrey Alan Cook’s journey ended on November 7, 2022. His death marked the loss of a truly talented and influential musician, leaving behind a legacy that will be forever cherished by his fans and the music community at large.
The career of Jeffrey Alan Cook
Jeffrey Alan Cook, a native of Fort Payne, Alabama, with a diverse heritage of English and Native American ancestry, has had a remarkable career spanning diverse areas of expertise. After graduating from Fort Payne High School and Jacksonville State University, he showed an early passion for the radio industry by obtaining his broadcast engineer’s license at the age of fourteen. While still in high school, Cook continued his love of music and worked as a disc jockey at a local radio station.
In 1972, Cook, along with his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, co-founded the band Wildcountry, which later became known as Alabama in 1977. Within the band, Cook demonstrated his exceptional musical talents, contributing lead and backing vocals, while also mastering instruments such as lead guitar, keyboard and violin, adding a unique touch to the group’s output. Following the band’s decision to retire from active production and performing in 2004, Cook embarked on new musical endeavors. He founded the groups Cook & Glenn and the Allstar Goodtime Band, continuing to captivate audiences with his performances.
In addition to his achievements as a musician, Cook ventured into the realm of business. In his hometown of Fort Payne, he founded Cook Sound Studios, Inc., providing a platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents. In addition, Cook’s involvement in the radio industry led him to establish radio station WQRX-AM in Valley Head, Alabama, further expanding his influence in the field.
Cook’s creativity extended beyond music and radio as he also explored the culinary world. By managing his own restaurant and marketing his signature sauce, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and culinary skills.
In the realm of politics, Cook expressed support for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential bid, appearing with the candidate in Alabama. His involvement with influential people highlighted his commitment to political causes in which he believed.
Cook’s illustrious career culminated in 2019 when he was inducted into the esteemed Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. This prestigious recognition underscored his lasting influence in the music industry and cemented his legacy as a talented musician and versatile individual.
Throughout his journey, Jeffrey Alan Cook’s extraordinary talents, innovative endeavors and dedication to various endeavors have left an indelible mark in the musical, radio, culinary and political spheres. His versatile career remains an inspiration to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education