Alabama is mourning the loss of one of their own. The country music supergroup’s co-founder Jeff Cook has passed away. Cook was 73 years old when he died on November 7, at his beach home in Destin, Florida, surrounded by his family and close friends. The news comes ten years after Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Cook was born and raised in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he showed an early prowess in music, particularly guitar and keys, when he was young. By the time he was 13, he was playing in bands, later working as a DJ for a local radio station.

Although Cook received a degree in Electronic Technology from Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama, his true love was music. He created his own Cook Sound Studio, helping other musicians share their music with the world.

In 1969, Cook formed Alabama alongside his cousin, Teddy Gentry, and Randy Owen. The group’s humble beginnings began by playing summers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, before the success of Alabama exploded, thanks in large part to Cook’s innovative guitar licks and unique fiddle playing. To date, Alabama has sold more than 80 million albums, and had 43 No. 1 hits.

Cook unfortunately was forced to come off of the road in 2018, as his Parkinson’s progressed.

“I’ve tried not to burden anyone with the details of my condition because I do not want the music to stop or the party to end,” Cook said at the time. “Let me say, I’m not calling it quits but sometimes our bodies dictate what we have to do, and mine is telling me it’s time to take a break and heal.”

In addition to music, Cook’s other passion was the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation and the Jeff and Lisa Cook Children’s Home.

Cook was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, and the Fiddlers Hall of Fame. He was also named Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year

Cook is survived by his wife, Lisa, along with 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, as well as his beloved dogs, Blazer and Blakely.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation.

Funeral services have yet to be announced. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Absolute Publicity / Rick Diamond