Introduction
The country music community was deeply moved when Jeff Cook—co-founder of Alabama—took his final bow on stage alongside bandmates Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. For decades, Cook’s mastery of guitar, fiddle, and keyboard was at the heart of Alabama’s instantly recognizable sound. Beyond his instrumental prowess, his creative vision and musical intuition helped cement the group’s status as one of the most celebrated and enduring acts in country music history.
That last performance with Cook, Owen, and Gentry became a poignant milestone, marking the close of a remarkable chapter. Together for over forty years, the trio had woven their talents into countless nights of music, making Cook’s absence all the more profound. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he courageously stepped back from touring in 2018, prioritizing his health even as fans clung to hope for his return.
Though Alabama presses on without him, loyal followers everywhere keenly feel the void left by Cook’s departure. From their early days jamming in Fort Payne, Alabama, to selling out arenas around the globe, his signature fiddle licks and soaring guitar solos defined hits like “Mountain Music,” “Song of the South,” and “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band).” Without his unique artistry, those songs simply wouldn’t resonate the same way.
In the years since that bittersweet finale, Owen and Gentry have carried forward Cook’s legacy, stepping into the spotlight to keep Alabama’s greatest moments alive. Yet, behind every familiar riff and harmony, his spirit endures. His warmth offstage and his brilliance onstage were the magic glue that bound the band together—and that bond remains an unbreakable part of their story.
As Alabama continues to pay tribute to their friend and founding member, they honor him by ensuring his music lives on for future generations. Each performance is a celebration of Jeff Cook’s lasting influence and a testament to the deep friendships and musical family they built along the way.