Tributes Pour In for Alabama Lead Guitarist and Co-Founder Jeff Cook

Jeff Cook, the lead guitarist, fiddle player and co-founder of chart-topping country group Alabama, passed away Tuesday of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 73.

Alabama was founded in 1969 by cousins Cook, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Randy Owen and bassist Teddy Gentry. Though they initially toured as Wildcountry, in 1977 the band took the name of its members' home state. When they were signed by RCA Nashville, the band's debut for the label, "Tennessee River," released in 1980, was the first in a string of 21 consecutive No. 1 singles. Though the streak ended in 1987, they would still have at least one No. 1 every year until 1993, according to Rolling Stone.

Alabama has sold 75 million records around the world, with several albums going multi-platinum. The band has also received over 200 awards, becoming the most-awarded country music band in history, according to Billboard. Other bands like Restless Heart, Exile and Diamond Rio cited Alabama's rock-and-roll tinged sound as an inspiration in their own music. Cook was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019, and Alabama as a whole was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2005.

One Alabama song in particular, "If You're Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)," spotlights Cook's fiddle playing. Though it was originally released as a B-side to "I'm Not That Way Anymore," DJs ended up flipping the single over, leading it to become Alabama's 14th No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Though Cook's biggest successes were with Alabama, he also released a number of solo albums between 2005 and 2018. His last album was Why Not Me, a collaboration with actor William Shatner.

"We decided to do a country music album together, and he invited me to his castle to record it. He was a little weak, but he managed extraordinarily well, and we ended up playing one of our numbers on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry," William Shatner told Newsweek. "I am so sorry to see him lose the battle. He was an enormous talent."

Cook was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, though he first revealed it to the world in 2017, shortly before he stopped touring regularly with the band.

The country music world came out to mourn Cook.

"I am reeling a bit over the loss of brother Jeff Cook of @TheAlabamaBand," Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys wrote. "a very sad loss ..."

"So sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook. I spent a lot of my life listening to him play guitar, what an iconic sound he had. I got a chance to perform with him multiple times over the years and I will never forget it," Jason Aldean wrote. "RIP Mr. Jeff, you are a legend to many of us and your influence will be felt forever in country music."

"Sending out my deepest condolences to the family, friends and band mates of Jeff Cook from @TheAlabamaBand. Such a great guy an one heckuva bass fisherman. He will be truly missed," Travis Tritt wrote.

"Heaven gained another guitar/fiddle player today. Mom and I were saddened to hear about the passing of @TheAlabamaBand's Jeff Cook after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Prayers for his family and many fans," the son of country music legend Charlie Daniels, Charlie Daniels Jr., wrote.

"We lost a legend this week. Jeff Cook was one of the kindest, coolest, and most talented people we've ever met. He was always so generous with his time and talents. We're sending our prayers to his wife Lisa, his whole family, and Randy and Teddy and the extended Alabama family," the band Home Free tweeted, alongside pictures with Alabama.

"One of the highlights of my life is getting to record and jam with you guys. You fought this terrible disease with grace, Jeff. My heart goes out to your wife and the boys and the band. We will miss you," Brad Paisley shared, along with a picture of him playing with Cook.

Newsweek reached out to Alabama for comment.

Update 11/9/2022, 5:45 p.m.: This article has been updated to include comment from William Shatner.