Stars React to Death of Country Music Legend Jeff Cook, Co-Founder of Alabama
Stars from around the world of country music are reacting to news of the death of Country Music Legend, Jeff Cook, co-founder of Alabama. The Country Music Hall of Fame member passed away Monday at the age of 73.
Yahoo News reports, “A representative for the group said in a news release that Cook was surrounded by close friends and family in his final moments. A cause of death was not provided, though the musician was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012.”
People states, “Cook and two of his cousins, guitarist Randy Owen and bassist Teddy Gentry, formed a band in the late ’60s before officially co-founding Alabama a decade later.”
“Over the course of their career, the band notched 36 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart including 1982’s “Mountain Music,” 1983’s “Dixieland Delight,” 1988’s “Song of the South,” 1990’s “Jukebox in My Mind” and 1992’s “I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why),” among others.”
In 2017, Cook cut back on performances due to the progression of Parkinson’s, although he did reunite with the band earlier this year during their 50th-Anniversary tour.
Twitter is full of condolences:
CMA Country Music reports being “deeply saddened” by his passing.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jeff Cook, co-founding member of legendary band Alabama and Country Music Hall of Fame member. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this time. pic.twitter.com/JIJJBitTLl
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 8, 2022
Brad Paisely took to Instagram to write, “One of the highlights of my life is getting to record and jam with you guys. You fought this terrible disease with grace, Jeff.”
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Blake Shelton remembers Cook as an “Absolute Legend.” Travis Tritt has a tribute beyond his music, “Such a great guy an one heckuva bass fisherman.”
Jason Aldean referred to “what an iconic sound he had.” And The Oak Ridge Boys are heartbroken. “This is a heartbreaking loss for all that knew Jeff. ALABAMA is in our prayers.”
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, Duane, William Lee and Richard pic.twitter.com/Qn24Jnftca
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) November 9, 2022
Home Free referred to Cook as “one of the kindest, coolest, and most talented people we’ve ever met.”
We lost a legend this week. Jeff Cook was one of the kindest, coolest, and most talented people we’ve ever met. He was always so generous with his time and talents. We’re sending our prayers to his wife Lisa, his whole family, and Randy and Teddy and the extended Alabama family. pic.twitter.com/C3aUdD6OPt
— Home Free (@HomeFreeGuys) November 8, 2022
Joe Bonsall says he’s “reeling a bit over the loss.” Ricky Skaggs referred to Cook as “an integral part of [Alabama’s] sound.”
And the estate of Charlie Daniels tweeted, “Heaven gained another guitar/fiddle player today.”
Indeed.
Heaven gained another guitar/fiddle player today. Mom and I were saddened to hear about the passing of @TheAlabamaBand‘s Jeff Cook after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Prayers for his family and many fans. – CD, Jr. & Hazel Daniels pic.twitter.com/BeHgso1858
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) November 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. We also will remember to pray for the country music community who are still grieving the recent death of Loretta Lynn.
