The Alabama founding member passed away Monday at age 73.
The C&I crew is offering prayers and condolences to the family, friends and fans of Alabama founding member and Country Music Hall of Famer Jeff Cook, who passed away Monday at age 73 at his home in Destin, Florida. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, and revealed his condition to the public in 2017.
Due to Cook’s health battle, he ceased touring with Alabama in 2018. With his strong encouragement, however, Alabama went on because Cook never wanted “the music to stop or the party to end.” According to the showbiz trade paper Variety, the group kept his gear on the road in case he was able to show up for sporadic appearances. A title song he co-wrote for their 2015 album “No Bad Days” became an anthem directly related to his condition.
“After I got the Parkinson’s diagnosis, people would quote the song to me and say, ‘No bad days,’ ” Cook told The Tennessean in a 2019 interview. “They write me letters, notes and emails and they sign ‘No Bad Days.’ I know the support is there. They join me. People I don’t know come up to me and say, ‘How ya feeling?’ You just got to live it every day and take it as it comes. Prayer does work. And I know there was a lot of praying going on.”
With Alabama, Cook rose to prominence in the late ‘70s 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 amassed more than 41 No. 1 singles and 12 top 10 albums, and is credited with selling more than 75 million records worldwide.
Cook is credited for introducing the electric double neck guitar to country music. He was also an accomplished musician with the ability to play piano, guitar, fiddle, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin — and just about anything else thrown in front of him.
As the sad news of Cook’s death spread throughout the music industry Tuesday, friends and admirers paid tribute.
“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...” — Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban / The Oak Ridge Boys
“I have great memories of touring with Alabama for 2 years, a most important time in my career. Jeff’s talent and his life of being a great entertainer will never be forgotten.” — Janie Fricke
“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 he had. I got a chance to perform with him multiple times over the years and I will never forget it.” — Jason Aldean
“Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from Alabama. Such a great guy and one heckuva bass fisherman. He will be truly missed.” — Travis Tritt
“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
“I’m so sorry and sad to hear the news of Jeff Cook's passing. He was not only a delight to see and hear on stage, but was always a delight to just hang with. He definitely has left his mark in country music that will never be erased. R.I.P. my friend” — T.G. Sheppard
“So sorry to hear that Jeff has passed. He and Lisa always got Sheila and me to stay with them at “The Castle” and they were the most gracious hosts. He always had me laughing. Jeff contributed so very much to the music world. Alabama was the greatest country band in history and showed us all how to get it done. Condolences to Lisa, Randy, Teddy, and his legion of fans. Rest in peace, my brother.” — T. Graham Brown
“I was good friends with Jeff Cook and will miss him a lot. Praying for his family and friends. Rest easy, buddy.” — Johnny Lee
“In 1980 I heard my first Alabama song on the radio. I immediately fell in love with the harmonies, blazing guitar solos, and honest lyrics about being a country boy and growing up in the South. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook today. He told us that no matter what we do or how we play it needs to ‘come from the heart.' Rest in Peace, Sir!” — Heath Wright of Ricochet
“Frizzell and West & Alabama worked a lot of shows together in the early ‘80s. It was great working with these talented guys. So sorry to hear of Jeff Cook’s passing.” — David Frizzell
“Jeff was an honest-to-God good ol’ boy!!! We will all miss him.” — Lacy J. Dalton
“The last time I played with Jeff Cook was on the 2020 Country Music Cruise. Alabama was one of the headliners that year, and even though Jeff performed several shows throughout the week with Randy and Teddy, he spent most of his nights with me and my dueling piano partner Chrissy Sparks. He sat around our pianos and helped us sing. He and I even played a few numbers together at the pianos. Twenty-seven #1 hits of his own, and Jeff was happy singing the classics. He simply loved the music! My condolences to his family and friends.” — Tim Atwood
“The group Alabama was one of my all-time favorites growing up! Was fortunate to meet Jeff Cook and the boys on a couple of different occasions. One of the best guitar pickers ever also! RIP to another legend! It’s a sad day.” — Shane Owens
“Prayers to the family of Jeff Cook. One of the founding members of Alabama - the highest-selling country band of all time. Their music traces back to my childhood and so many good times growing up! He was a staple of that country group and he helped put Ft. Payne on the map. I know he’s going to be missed tremendously. Prayers also to Randy and Teddy as they continue their legacy in Jeff’s honor.” — JD Shelburne
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook. I grew up listening to the wonderful songs “Alabama” released and I still play them to this day. His playing will live on in this world and he will be dearly missed.” — Makenzie Phipps
“Jeff has played such a big part in music history for years and has a legacy that will live on for centuries, I’m sure! My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends during this hard time.” — Paige King Johnson
“Saddened to hear about the passing of Jeff Cook. I have countless fond memories of my family and me dancing around and listening to his music. Sending my love and prayers to his family during this time. The legend of Jeff lives on in all of our hearts.” — Whitney Miller
