Jeff Cook, one of the co-founders of the country rock band Alabama, died on Tuesday at the age of 73. The singer and guitarist was diagnosed with Parkinson disease in 2012 and had been struggling year long battle with life. A statement from the band said that “Cook’s legacy will live on forever.”
Jeff Cook’s life and career
Jeff Cook is a country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known for being a founding member of the band Alabama. Cook began his musical career in the late 1960s as a member of a band called ‘The Reivers‘.
The Reivers had some success, releasing two albums and opening for acts like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1977, Cook and fellow musician Randy Owen formed Alabama, which would go on to become one of the most successful country bands of all time.
Over the course of their career, Alabama released more than 20 albums and sold over 80 million records.
They also won multiple Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Cook has continued to perform with Alabama as well as pursuing a solo career. He has also been active in charitable work, helping to raise awareness for Parkinson disease.
Impact of Jeff Cook on the country music industry
Jeff Cook’s impact on the country music industry has been profound. As a founding member of the group Alabama, he helped to redefine what country music could be. His unique style – a blend of country, rock, and pop – appealed to a wide range of listeners, and his songs often topped the charts.
In addition to his success as a recording artist, Cook was also an accomplished songwriter, penning hits for Alabama as well as for other country artists. His influence can still be heard in the music of today’s top country stars, and his legacy will continue to shape the sound of country music for years to come.
Reaction from the country music community
In the wake of Jeff Cook’s passing, tributes have been pouring in for the co-founder of the country band Alabama. The band, who formed in 1969 and achieved unparalleled success in the 80s and 90s, shared their own heartfelt tribute to Cook on social media, saying “We have lost our brother and mentor. The music industry has lost a true legend.”
Cook’s musical career began at a young age as he taught himself how to play various instruments. He joined Alabama in 1972, and his unique multi-instrumental talent helped define their signature sound. Along with fellow members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, Cook was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
The country music community has also expressed their grief over Cook’s passing, with artists like Brad Paisley tweeting “So sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook from Alabama…one of my favorite bands growing up.” Reba McEntire shared a photo with Cook on Instagram, writing “My heart is heavy with the news of Jeff Cook passing away. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Cook leaves behind a legacy as one of the most influential musicians in country music history, and he will be greatly missed by fans and fellow musicians alike.