Introduction:
Fort Payne, Alabama has once again become a gathering place for country music fans, as the long-anticipated return of June Jam brings renewed energy—and deep emotion—to the hometown of legendary band Alabama. After a 26-year hiatus, the iconic festival has returned not only to celebrate music, but to honor the life, legacy, and enduring spirit of Jeff Cook, founding member of the band and a beloved figure in country music history.
The weekend began with a deeply personal tribute at Cook Castle, the home Jeff shared with his wife, Lisa Cook. Their love story—one of country music’s most cherished—began in the early 1990s, when Lisa was a flight attendant and Jeff was at the height of his career. They were married on the eve of June Jam in 1995, forever intertwining their marriage with the event that became a cornerstone of Alabama’s legacy.
Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, Jeff continued touring with Alabama until 2017, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and devotion to his fans. As his condition progressed, Lisa experienced firsthand the critical shortage of trained, compassionate caregivers—an experience that inspired the creation of the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation just over a year before Jeff’s passing in 2022. The foundation is dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering caregivers throughout North Alabama and beyond.
Saturday’s gathering at Cook Castle raised funds for the foundation, ensuring that Jeff’s longtime motto—“Never let the music stop, or the party end”—continues to resonate, not only through music, but through acts of compassion and service. Lisa, who honored her final promise to Jeff to “be okay,” now channels her strength into helping others navigate the same journey they once shared.
The June Jam concert itself, held at the VFW Fairgrounds, featured Alabama’s remaining members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, joined by an acclaimed lineup including The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamey Johnson, Neil McCoy, and more. The event transcended a traditional concert—it became a celebration of friendship, love, perseverance, and a promise kept.
As the music filled the night air, fans felt Jeff Cook’s presence in every chord and chorus—in the memories, the melodies, and the lives being touched through the foundation that bears his name. Though he may no longer stand on stage, Jeff Cook’s legacy lives on—powerfully, purposefully, and forever.