Jeff Cook, the guitarist and co-founder of Alabama band, dies at 73

The guitarist and co-founder of the country band Alabama, Jeffrey Alan Cook, died at the age of 73 in Destin of Florida state, a representative for the group announced. He died at his home on Tuesday morning. 

Cook was suffering from Parkinson’s disease for years and disclosed the diagnosis of it in 2017. Cook, along with his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, gave eight number songs on the country charts between 1980 and 1982, per the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“Song of the South,” “Mountain Music” and “Dixieland Delight” were some hits of Jeff and his band. Alabama also won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award thrice between 1982 and 1985.

The Alabama band’s Twitter account tweeted, “Jeffrey Alan Cook: 1949 – 2022 .” 

Many celebrities shared their condolences via social media. Singer Jason Aldean tweeted, “I got a chance to perform with him multiple times over the years and I will never forget it.”

Singer Travis Tritt posted, “Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from @TheAlabamaBand. Such a great guy and one heckuva bass fisherman. He will be truly missed” in his Twitter profile.