Jeff Cook, co-founder of country group Alabama, has died

[timjake]

From Variety:

"Jeff Cook, a Country Music Hall of Fame member as one of the co-founders of the country group Alabama, died 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.

Cook was immediately recognizable to fans as the key instrumentalist in the group, playing guitar and fiddle as well as contributing vocals in three-part harmony alongside co-founders Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, his cousins."

full article: Jeff Cook Dead: Co-Founder of Country Group Alabama Was 73 - Variety

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My brother introduced me to Alabama in the late 70s and I have a lot of their music. A true class act.

 

[Rustyt1953]

The guy could play! In the 80's Martin Guitars started importing beginner guitars and amps from South Korea under the Stinger brand. Jeff became involved with them a few years later and did very well with them.

He was a sharp business man and a born salesman. That guitar line helped him earn $20 million.

Godspeed Jeff.

 

[meaneyedcatz]

That’s a shame.
I remember when Alabama had one album out. I saw them in St Clair MO high school gymnasium. Cost $7.50 dollars. They played like there was no tomorrow, they were great!

 

[jdlii]

Play me some mountain music! RIP Mr. Cook!

 

[Rustyt1953]

Jeff also made a boatload of money for and off of Hartley Peavey.

 

[snowman]

You fellows just got me interested enough to go on a listening binge that has put me behind in my work ! I don't recall ever having heard Alabama's music until tonight. But I recall my oldest sister being a fan and mentioning them to me during their heyday.

Obviously I like their songs or I wouldn't have listened so long. They all have pleasant voices and their harmony is outstanding.

So sad to hear of Mr. Cook's passing. My longtime doctor is roughly the same age and had to quit his practice a couple of years ago due to Parkinson's. Another nasty disease consuming the lives & functioning of many.

Regards,
Andy

 

[VictorLouis]

I got to see 'em once back in '90, IIRC. Billy Ray Cyrus opened for them at the State Fair. Outstanding.

 

[10Mad]

Some of the best shows I’ve ever seen were Alabama at county fairs. Late 90s I saw them twice, once it was them and Alan Jackson. Imagine that show for a $10 ticket.
They played a little county fair show like they were playing huge stadium. Just awesome.

 

[SteveA]

Saw them at the American Royal in Kansas City about '79 or '80. They were great.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Alabama played at our rodeo back in the late 80's/early 90's. They showed up early and wanted to play softball, so we cobbled together a PD team from the crew working the rodeo and had an absolute blast. Great group of guys . . .