By Mark Gray
12:06pm PST, Nov 12, 2022
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Guitarist Jeff Cook, a co-founder of the country mega group Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, after a decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 73. Alabama, whose hits include "Song of the South" and "Dixieland Delight," announced the death, adding that Jeff "enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history" — more than 50 years, in fact. Following Jeff's passing, many top stars in the country music world publicly mourned and paid tribute to the man who played piano, guitar, fiddle, bass guitar, banjo and mandolin.
Click through to see how country's biggest names are celebrating Jeff's life…
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"Just heard about Jeff Cook of @TheAlabamaBand passing.. Absolute legend. Rest In Peace.." —Blake Shelton
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"Jeff Cook, and all of the guys in Alabama, were so generous with wisdom AND fun when I got to tour with them as a young artist… But maybe even more, they showed a kid in a t-shirt that country music could be rock, could be real, could be someone who looked like me. Growing up in East Tennessee, that gave me the heart to chase this dream." –Kenny Chesney
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"So sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook. I spent a lot of my life listening to him play guitar, what an iconic sound he had. I got a chance to perform with him multiple times over the years and I will never forget it. RIP Mr. Jeff, you are a legend to many of us and your influence will be felt forever in country music." —Jason Aldean
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"One of the highlights of my life is getting to record and jam with you guys. You fought this terrible disease with grace, Jeff. My heart goes out to your wife and the boys and the band. We will miss you." –Brad Paisley
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"Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from @TheAlabamaBand. Such a great guy an one heckuva bass fisherman. He will be truly missed." –Travis Tritt
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"We ran a lot of roads together back in the '80s. I was proud to tour with Alabama for four years! Night after night I watched them create magic like I had never seen before. Jeff was a unique part of the group Alabama and a really good guitar player and fiddle player. We thought we were forever young. This one hits hard. Go rest high on that mountain, Jeff Cook." – Lee Greenwood
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"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" –The Oak Ridge Boys
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"So sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook from the group Alabama. Jeff was such an integral part of their sound. He was a great musician and singer. Rest in peace old friend." –Ricky Skaggs
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"The first time we met Jeff Cook was at a Nashville Sushi bar. He said, 'You guys should come on tour with us.' We said, 'We'd love to.' A week later were invited to join Alabama & Charlie Daniels on the biggest Country Music tour in America. We're devastated by Jeff's passing. He and all the Alabama Band have always been such great friends. Prayers for his immediate family and road family and the many who loved him." —The Bellamy Brothers.
