Jeff Cook

Jeffery Alan Cook (born August 27, 1949) is an American musician and songwriter who is best known as one of the founding members of the country band Alabama.

For other people named Jeff Cook, see Jeff Cook (disambiguation).
Jeff Cook
Birth nameJeffery Alan Cook
Born (1949-08-27) August 27, 1949
Fort Payne, Alabama, U.S.
GenresCountry, country rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, fiddle
Years active1969–present
LabelsRCA Nashville
Project One Digital
Associated actsAlabama

Life and career

Jeffery Alan Cook was born in Fort Payne, Alabama, and is of English and Native American descent, Cook is a graduate of Fort Payne High School and Jacksonville State University. He obtained a broadcast engineer license three days after his fourteenth birthday, and worked at a local radio station as a disc jockey while still in high school.[1]

Cook co-founded the band Wildcountry, along with his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, in 1972 (the name was changed to Alabama in 1977). He contributed vocals, lead guitar, keyboard, and fiddle to the group's productions.[2] Since the band ceased active production and performance in 2003, Cook has formed the groups Cook & Glenn and the Allstar Goodtime Band, with which he performs.[3]

In addition to his performance work, Cook founded Cook Sound Studios, Inc., in his native Fort Payne, and also established radio station WQRX-AM, which he later sold, in adjacent Valley Head, Alabama.[1] Cook is also noted for his culinary endeavors, having operated a restaurant and marketed his own sauce.[4]

Cook endorsed the 2008 presidential candidacy of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, and made appearances with the candidate in Alabama.[5]

Cook was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019.

Personal life

Cook is currently on tour. Outside of tours, he is a part of the Del Chouch Music Education Foundation.[6] On April 11, 2017, Cook disclosed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's four years ago and will no longer be touring regularly with Alabama.[7] He will still be a part of the band as he stated that he doesn't want to give up music.

Solo discography
  • 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

References
  1. Jeff Cook and the AGB: Jeff Cook biography
  2. Allmusic Biography: Alabama
  3. "Songwriters Honored with Special Concert," The Huntsville Times, September 13, 2007, p. 7G
  4. "Cook's 'Zesty' Hobby a Feature of Saturday Event," The Huntsville Times, July 25, 2007, p, 1C
  5. "Huckabee Tells Huntsville Crowd He'll Stay in Race," The Birmingham News blogs, February 2, 2008
  6. delchouch music education foundation
  7. "Exclusive: Alabama member reveals Parkinson's diagnosis". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017-05-27.
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