What Happened to Jeff Cook of Alabama? Who was Jeff Cook? Cause of Death Revealed
by Harini
Updated Jul 20, 2023
What Happened to Jeff Cook of Alabama?
Jeff Cook, the 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, a representative for the band.
As a talented musician, Jeff Cook, alongside his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, achieved significant success with Alabama. Their impressive journey on the country charts included landing eight No. 1 songs between the spring of 1980 and summer of 1982. Some of their popular hits during that time were "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 Entertainer of the Year for three consecutive years from 1982 to 1985, and received five ACM Award 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.
Sadly, Jeff Cook's touring with Alabama came to an end 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. Notably, he collaborated with Charlie Daniels and "Star Trek" star William Shatner in some projects.
Jeff Cook's 2015 co-written song, "No Bad Days," took on a profound meaning after his Parkinson's diagnosis. It 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, his mother, a sister, and a brother.
Despite his health challenges, Jeff Cook continued to make significant contributions to the music world. In 2022, he participated in Alabama's 50th-anniversary tour, showcasing his enduring passion for performing. However, on November 7, 2022, Jeff Cook's battle with Parkinson's disease came to an end, and he passed away in Destin, Florida, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the country music scene.
Jeff Cook Obituary
Jeff Cook, a founding member, and iconic guitarist of the revered supergroup ALABAMA, has passed away. The esteemed musician, who held memberships in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, and Fiddlers Hall of Fame, and was honored as Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year, peacefully left this world on November 7. Surrounded by his loving family and close friends at his beach home in Destin, Florida, Cook succumbed to Parkinson's disease at the age of 73. Throughout his life, Cook was a multi-award-winning guitarist, and he bravely faced his battle with a positive attitude.
Jeffrey Alan Cook was born on August 27, 1949, in Fort Payne, Alabama. At the young age of 13, he delved into music by playing lead guitar and keyboards in bands. Remarkably, he acquired a broadcast license merely three days after turning 14, kickstarting his career as a disc jockey at a local Fort Payne radio station. His love for radio and electronics remained constant, leading him to eventually own radio and TV stations. After graduating from Fort Payne High School, Cook earned a degree in Electronic Technology from Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama. In recognition of his achievements, he was named "Outstanding Alumni" by the American Association of Community Colleges. Music and electronics were two of Cook's greatest passions, and he cherished how radio combined both.
In 1995, Cook married the love of his life, Lisa Williams. They resided in "Cook Castle" atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, AL, Guntersville, AL, and Destin/Miramar Beach, FL.
As a member of ALABAMA, Cook enjoyed an immensely successful career, making an indelible mark on country music history. He, along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen, embarked on a journey over 50 years ago, leaving Fort Payne to play music in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It took the trio six years of perseverance, relying on tip jars and word-of-mouth, before finally securing a major label deal that fulfilled their dreams. ALABAMA quickly rose to fame, changing the face of country music forever. Cook's unforgettable guitar licks, distinctive fiddle style, exceptional vocals, and harmonies, alongside his bandmates, propelled the group to sell 80 million albums and achieve an impressive 43 No. 1 hits, becoming the biggest group in country music history.
Due to health challenges, Cook ceased touring with ALABAMA in 2018. Yet, with his encouragement and blessings, the band carried on because Cook wished for "the music to never stop and the party to never end."
Driven by a profound desire to help others, Cook and his wife Lisa established The Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation, along with The Jeff and Lisa Cook Children’s Home, with the purpose of providing homes for orphaned children worldwide, beginning in the Philippines.
Survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Cook, beloved puppies 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 cherished memories. He was pre-deceased 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 dedicated fans. His music and legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
Cause of Death
The cause of Jeff Cook's death was Parkinson's disease. He battled the illness since being diagnosed in 2012. Despite facing the challenges of the disease, Cook displayed tremendous courage and a positive attitude throughout his journey. Sadly, his health declined, leading to his passing on November 7, 2022, at 73. Cook peacefully left this world at his beach home in Destin, Florida, surrounded by his family and close friends.
The specific details surrounding his cause of death were not mentioned in the previous content. Still, it is clear that Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, was the underlying factor that led to his passing.
Who was Jeffrey Cook?
Jeffrey Alan Cook, born on August 27, 1949, was a celebrated American country musician who left a lasting impact on the music world. His notable contributions as a founding member of the renowned band Alabama earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. Cook's versatility as a musician was unmatched, as he skillfully handled various musical instruments, including guitar, fiddle, piano, and more.
One of his defining features in Alabama was his occasional lead vocals, which added a distinctive touch to the band's sound. Throughout his illustrious career, Cook's talent and dedication to his craft resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a beloved figure in the country music scene.
Sadly, Jeffrey Alan Cook's journey came to an end on November 7, 2022. His passing marked the loss of a truly talented and influential musician, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by his fans and the music community at large.
Jeffrey Alan Cook Career
Jeffrey Alan Cook, a native of Fort Payne, Alabama, and with a diverse heritage of English and Native American descent, had a remarkable career that encompassed various fields of expertise. After completing his education at Fort Payne High School and Jacksonville State University, he displayed an early passion for the radio industry by obtaining a broadcast engineer license at the age of fourteen. Even while still in high school, Cook pursued his love for music and worked as a disc jockey at a local radio station.
In 1972, Cook, alongside his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, co-founded the band Wildcountry, which later became known as Alabama in 1977. Within the band, Cook showcased his exceptional musical talents, contributing as a lead and backing vocalist, while also mastering instruments such as lead guitar, keyboard, and fiddle, adding a unique touch to the group's productions. Following the band's decision to step back from active production and performances in 2004, Cook embarked on new musical endeavors. He formed the groups Cook & Glenn and the Allstar Goodtime Band, continuing to captivate audiences with his performances.
Beyond his accomplishments as a musician, Cook ventured into the realm of business. In his hometown of Fort Payne, he established Cook Sound Studios, Inc., providing a platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents. Additionally, Cook's involvement in the radio industry led him to set up radio station WQRX-AM in Valley Head, Alabama, further expanding his impact in the field.
Cook's creativity extended beyond music and radio, as he also explored the culinary world. Operating his own restaurant and marketing his signature sauce, he showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and culinary prowess.
In the realm of politics, Cook showed his support for former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee's presidential candidacy in 2008, making appearances with the candidate in Alabama. His engagement with influential figures highlighted his commitment to political causes he believed in.
The culmination of Cook's illustrious career came in 2019 when he was inducted into the esteemed Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. This prestigious recognition underscored the lasting impact he had made in the music industry and solidified his legacy as a talented musician and versatile individual.
Throughout his journey, Jeffrey Alan Cook's exceptional talents, innovative ventures, and dedication to various pursuits left an indelible mark on the music, radio, culinary, and political spheres. His versatile career remains an inspiration to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike.
What Happened to Jeff Cook of Alabama: FAQs
Jeff Cook, the 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, a representative for the band.
Jeff Cook was a celebrated American country musician, best known as a founding member of the iconic band Alabama. He was a multi-talented artist, contributing to occasional lead vocals, playing guitar, fiddle, piano, and other musical instruments, leaving a lasting impact on the music world.
Jeff Cook succumbed to Parkinson's disease on November 7, 2022. The neurodegenerative disorder, which he had battled since being diagnosed in 2012, led to his passing at the age of 73 in his beach home in Destin, Florida.
As a co-founder of Alabama, Jeff Cook played a pivotal role in the band's success. Alongside his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, he contributed his exceptional skills as a lead and backing vocalist, as well as playing lead guitar, fiddle, keyboard, and other instruments, helping Alabama achieve numerous hits and chart-topping songs.
Jeff Cook's remarkable musical journey with Alabama earned him numerous accolades and honors. Notably, he and his bandmates were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. His contributions were also recognized with memberships in the Musicians Hall of Fame, Fiddlers Hall of Fame, and being honored as Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year.