Jeff Cook, one of the founders of the legendary country band Alabama, has passed away at the age of 73. According to Jeff Cook’s team, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 and after a lengthy battle with the disease, he died at his home in Florida.
Jeff Cook grew up in Fort Payne, Alabama. While in high school, Cook landed a job at a local radio station and worked as a DJ. Later, he and his cousins, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry would start the band Wildcountry which eventually would become Alabama. Cook contributed to singing, lead guitar, keyboard and fiddle.
The band would go on to produce more than 30 number one singles and sell more than 75 million records.
Arrangements will be announced at a later date. The family has requested that instead of flowers, please donate to The Jeff And Lisa Cook Foundation (P.O. Box 680067, Fort Payne, AL 35968) or via the foundation website here.
This weekend, Mustang 1071 will highlight Alabama’s music with a double-shot weekend.
Source: Rolling Stone, Country Aircheck