Jeff Cook, one of the co-founding members of the popular country music band Alabama, has passed away at the age of 73.
A spokesperson for the group confirmed the news to The Tennessean, saying the guitarist died at his home in Destin, Florida.
Over the past ten years, Cook had suffered from Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects a person's movement. He confirmed his medical condition to the outlet more than five years ago.
The band member served many roles in the group as he was a vocalist, a guitarist, and a fiddle player. His bandmates include his cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen.
Throughout their career, they released hit country songs such as "My Home's in Alabama," "Mountain Music," "I'm In A Hurry," "Song of the South," "Cheap Seats," "Song of the South," and many more.
Jeff Cook's Early Life, Alabama Career
Per the outlet, Jeff Cook spent his early days in Fort Payne, Alabama. It was apparent in his younger self that he loved music so he pursued being a disc jockey at a radio station in his hometown.
He became a member of Young Country with his bandmates first, and they later changed the name to Wildcountry the following decade while performing in venues around their state like South Carolina, Myrtle Beach, and more.
In 1977, Cook, Owen, and Gentry, finally decided to officially change their name to Alabama. They gained popularity two years later after getting invited to the "New Faces" showcase at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee.
Little did they know that attending the event would launch them into nationwide stardom.
It didn't take long for them to sign with a record label, RCA, and it was the beginning of their successful career. Alabama later took radio charts by storm as they had eight number-one songs on the charts between 1980 and 1982.
The band continued to amass massive success as they later won the Entertainer of the Year award at the Country Music Awards for three consecutive years. They also snagged the same title at the Academy Of Country Music from 1981 to 1985.
In a previous interview discussing his health condition, Cook revealed that he decided to stop touring with his bandmates as the disease impacted his body.
"This disease robs you of your coordination, your balance, and causes tremors," he told the outlet. It was also frustrating for him to try to play his instruments and sing.
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