Tributes are pouring in for Alabama ‘s Jeff Cook, who passed away on November 7, after a ten-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Cook founded Alabama in 1969, along with Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, and continued touring and performing with the award-winning trio until 2018.
“So sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook,” Jason Aldean said. “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. RIP Mr. Jeff, you are a legend to many of us and your influence will be felt forever in country music.”
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…
Posted by Jason Aldean on Tuesday, November 8, 2022
“Jeff Cook was a long time friend and brother as has been Randy and Teddy over all these times passing! ” The Oak Ridge Boys tweeted. “This is a heartbreaking loss for all that knew Jeff. ALABAMA is in our prayers… rest in peace Jeff … until the day … Joe, Duane, William Lee and Richard”
“Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from [Alabama],” wrote Travis Tritt. “Such a great guy and one heckuva bass fisherman. He will be truly missed.”
“One of the highlights of my life is getting to record and jam with you guys,” Brad Paisley posted. “You fought this terrible disease with grace, Jeff. My heart goes out to your wife and the boys and the band. We will miss you.”
One of the highlights of my life is getting to record and jam with you guys. You fought this terrible disease with grace, Jeff. My heart goes out to your wife and the boys and the band. We will miss you.
Posted by Brad Paisley on Tuesday, November 8, 2022
“We lost a legend this week,” Home Free tweeted. “Jeff Cook was one of the kindest, coolest, and most talented people we’ve ever met. He was always so generous with his time and talents. We’re sending our prayers to his wife Lisa, his whole family, and Randy and Teddy and the extended Alabama family.”
We lost a legend this week. Jeff Cook was one of the kindest, coolest, and most talented people we’ve ever met. He was always so generous with his time and talents. We’re sending our prayers to his wife Lisa, his whole family, and Randy and Teddy and the extended Alabama family. pic.twitter.com/C3aUdD6OPt
— Home Free (@HomeFreeGuys) November 8, 2022
“So sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook from the group Alabama,” said Ricky Skaggs. “Jeff was such an integral part of their sound. He was a great musician and singer. Rest in peace old friend.”
“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,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “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.”
Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. He passed away, surrounded by his loved ones, at his home in Florida. Funeral services for Cook have yet to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to his family and friends.