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Jeff Cook, a co-founder of country group Alabama who played guitar and fiddle and sang with the band, died on November 7, 2022, at age 73. He died at his home in Destin, Florida. Cook helped form the group with fellow Fort Payne musicians Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.
Who was Jeff Cook?
Born August 27, 1949, in Fort Payne, Alabama, Cook was playing in bands and hosting a local radio show as a teenager, according to the Academy of Country Music. He grew up alongside Owen and Gentry, and the three musicians built the band that would become Alabama.
How did Cook help form Alabama?
Cook, Owen and Gentry first played together as Wildcountry. The band was founded in 1969 and adopted the name Alabama in 1977, UPI reported. The trio’s shared roots in Fort Payne remained central to the group’s identity as it developed into one of country music’s leading acts.
What did Jeff Cook contribute to Alabama’s music?
Cook’s role extended beyond guitar: he also played fiddle and contributed vocals. He co-wrote “Christmas in Dixie,” one of Alabama’s best-known seasonal songs, according to the ACM obituary. His combination of instrumental work, singing and songwriting made him part of the band’s sound rather than only its lineup.
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Alabama’s commercial success provides context for Cook’s career. The Associated Press, citing the Country Music Hall of Fame, reported that the band had eight No. 1 country songs between spring 1980 and summer 1982. By 1999, the ACM obituary said, Alabama had recorded 50 Top 10 singles for RCA.
What honors did Alabama receive?
The Academy of Country Music’s obituary credits Alabama with the following awards and recognition:
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- THE ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC STRING: 80/20 Bronze was originally created by John D’Addario Sr. and renowned guitar maker John D’Angelico in the 1930s.
- EARN REWARD POINTS: Our 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
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- Five ACM Entertainer of the Year awards, from 1981 through 1985.
- Six ACM Top Vocal Group awards, from 1980 through 1985.
- Three ACM Album of the Year honors.
- ACM Artist of the Decade for the 1980s.
What was reported about Cook’s death?
Cook died at home in Destin, Florida, on November 7, 2022, aged 73. The Associated Press reported that he had Parkinson’s disease; UPI said Alabama’s statement placed his diagnosis in 2012. Those reports identify his diagnosis but do not establish Parkinson’s disease as the cause of death.
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Sources
- Academy of Country Music, “Jeff Cook”, November 7, 2022.
- The Washington Post / Associated Press, “Jeff Cook, founding member of band Alabama, dies at 73”, November 11, 2022.
- UPI, “Jeff Cook, founding member of band Alabama, dies at 73”, November 9, 2022.
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