August 27: Jeff Cook of the country music group Alabama is 61 today.

Jeffery A. "Jeff" Cook born in Fort Payne, Alabama is one of the founding members of the very popular country music group Alabama. Originally named Wildcountry, the group's name was changed to Alabama in 1972. Cook played lead guitar, keyboards, fiddle and was a vocalist. Other founding members included Cook's cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.

After Alabama ceased performing and recording in 2003, Cook has formed the groups Cook & Glenn and the Allstar Goodtime Band.

Cook's career with Alabama resulted in 21 gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, 42 number one singles, 2 Grammies, 23 American Music Awards, 3 CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards, ACM's Artist of the Decade, RIAA's Group of the Century, and more than 78 million records sold. Alabama was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "Take Me Down" (Alabama)
-- "Love in the First Degree" (Alabama)
-- "Mountain Music" (Jeff Cook & The AllStar Goodtime Band)