Jeff Cook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeff Cook
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| Birth name | Jeffrey Alan Cook |
| Born | August 27, 1949 Fort Payne, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | November 7, 2022 (aged 73) Destin, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Country, country rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, fiddle, piano |
| Years active | 1972–2022 |
| Labels | RCA Nashville Project One Digital |
Jeffrey Alan Cook (born August 27, 1949 – died November 7, 2022) was an American musician. He was famous for being a founding member of the band Alabama. In the band, he sang, played guitar, fiddle, piano, and other instruments.
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Early Life and Music Journey
Jeffrey Alan Cook was born in Fort Payne, Alabama. He was of English and Native American background. Jeff graduated from Fort Payne High School. He also went to Jacksonville State University.
When he was just 14, Jeff got a special license. This license let him work with radio equipment. He worked as a disc jockey at a local radio station. He did this while still in high school.
Forming the Band Alabama
In 1972, Jeff Cook helped start a band called Wildcountry. His cousins, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, were also in the band. In 1977, they changed the band's name to Alabama.
Jeff was a key part of the group. He sang lead and backing vocals. He also played lead guitar, keyboard, and fiddle. The band became very successful.
Beyond Alabama
The band Alabama stopped actively making music and performing in 2004. After that, Jeff Cook started new groups. These included Cook & Glenn and the Allstar Goodtime Band. He continued to perform with these new groups.
Jeff also started his own business. He founded Cook Sound Studios, Inc., in his hometown. He also created a radio station, WQRX-AM. He later sold this radio station. Jeff was also known for his cooking. He ran a restaurant and sold his own special sauce.
In 2008, Jeff Cook supported Mike Huckabee for president. Mike Huckabee was a governor from Arkansas. Jeff even appeared with him in Alabama.
In 2019, Jeff Cook was honored. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. This means his musical achievements were recognized.
Personal Life and Health
Jeff Cook continued to tour with Alabama in 2022. This was for their 50th Anniversary tour. On April 11, 2017, Jeff shared some news. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years earlier. This disease affects how people move.
Because of his health, he stopped touring regularly with Alabama in 2018. Jeff Cook passed away on November 7, 2022. He was 73 years old. He died in Destin, Florida, from problems related to Parkinson's disease.
Solo Music
Here are some of the albums and songs Jeff Cook released on his own:
- 2005: On Fire
- 2008: Just Pickin'
- 2009: Ashes Won't Burn
- 2009: Jeff Cook Presents Christmas Joy
- 2009: "Tribute to a Soldier" (single with Charlie Daniels and Ken Randolph)
- 2010: Shaken... Not Stirred
- 2011: 2 Rock 4 Country
- 2011: Bits & Pieces / Odds & Ends
- 2012: Shaken Not Stirred
- 2018: Why Not Me with William Shatner
