Introduction
Teddy Gentry, bassist and co-founder of the legendary country band Alabama, recently shared heartfelt memories of his lifelong friend and bandmate, Jeff Cook, who passed away in November 2022 at the age of 73 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. In a statement on the band’s official website, Gentry reflected on their deep bond, stating, “Closer than brothers, we lived together more than with our immediate families. Don’t think I’ve known anyone who loved playing more.”
Gentry recounted the journey they shared, from the early days of struggling to make ends meet to achieving unprecedented success in country music. He emphasized the unique connection they had, saying, “Jeff, along with me and Randy, experienced the highs of undreamed success, as well as some very tough early years. None of us were perfect, but together we had something so special it will never die.”
The band continues to honor Cook’s legacy through performances and tributes. During a recent concert, they modified the lyrics of their song “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” to acknowledge their current instrumentalist, Megan Mullins, in place of Cook.
Alabama’s enduring legacy is a testament to the deep bonds formed over decades of collaboration and friendship. Gentry’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the impact Cook had on the band and the country music community at large.