It is never easy to learn when a singer we loved for most of our lives passes away. But of course, we can take comfort in the craft they left behind and the beautiful music they made.
Jeff Cook may have passed away, but the musical legacy he left behind stays!
Jeff Cook, the co-founder of the country music band Alabama has passed away at age of 73. He passed away on Monday, at his beach house in Destin, Florida, surrounded by his family and friends.
While the singer had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, the illness was first revealed in 2017. The exact cause of his death remains unknown.
Jeff, who was a huge part of Alabama and its success, stopped touring with the band as his health no longer allowed for him to travel and perform. The press release announcing his death said, “Cook was a champion in all he attempted and he courageously faced his battle with a positive attitude.”
His band Alabama was highly successful.
The group sold a combined 80 million albums and 43 of their songs charted number 1, which included, “Tennessee River,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” and “Dixieland Delight.”
In 2005, the band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame; a major honor for any performer.
With Cook at the forefront of the band, they won several CMA Awards. These included three consecutive CMA Entertainer of the Year awards in 1982, 1983, and 1984.
The group also won the CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year from 1981 to 1983. They also boast the Instrumental Group of the Year in 1981 and 1982 and Album of the Year for The Closer You Get in 1983.
Jeff Cook’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, people make donations to The Jeff and Lisa Foundation.
Cook is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Cook, his mother Betty Cook, and his two siblings, David, and Crystal Cook.
Jeff, who married Lisa back in 1995, described her as ”the love of his life.”
We are sending our deepest condolences to the Cook family during this difficult time. It is a relief to know that he was surrounded by everyone he loved during his last months.
Share this article with other Alabama fans so they are able to pay their respects to Jeff Cook.
