Musician Jeff Cook has died aged 73 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease five years ago.
The star, who co-founded the hugely successful country band Alabama passed away at his home in Florida, a representative of the band confirmed.
With Alabama, Jeff played the guitar, the fiddle and was also a singer. Alongside cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, and drummer Bennett Vartanian, Jeff and the band landed eight No. 1 songs on the country charts between 1980 and 1982.
Among their hit tunes was Love In The First Degree, Feels So Right, Tennessee River and Mountain Music. Between 1980 and 1993, the band had at least one tune top the country chart every year.
Thanks to their success, they earned CMA and ACM honours and were awarded back-to-back Grammys in 1982 and 1983 for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Their best-selling studio album still remains as Mountain Music, which certified five times platinum. Two compilation albums have also sold over five million copies.
In 2005, the band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and they've also been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As well as his music with Alabama, Jeff launched Cook Sound Studios in a bid to help local musicians share their music. On the band's website, Jeff is quoted as saying: "This area [DeKalb County] has its share of talented musicians and now the opportunity is there for each of them to cut demos, records, etc., at an affordable price.
"Plus, it’s nice to share your dreams with others."
Following the news of Jeff's deaths, fans and famous musicians took to social media to pay their respects.
On Twitter, Jason Aldean wrote: "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.
"RIP Mr. Jeff, you are a legend to many of us and your influence will be felt forever in country music."
And Kenny Chesney said in a statement: "Jeff Cook, and all of the guys in Alabama, were so generous with wisdom and fun when I got to tour with them as a young artist. They showed a kid in a T-shirt that country music could be rock, could be real, could be someone who looked like me.
"Growing up in East Tennessee, that gave me the heart to chase this dream."
Jeff is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Williams.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
