Introduction:
Country music fans are gathering in Fort Payne with excitement and emotion as Alabama brings back its iconic June Jam concert after a 26-year hiatus. The long-awaited return is more than just a musical celebration—it is a tribute to love, legacy, and a promise that continues to echo through the heart of Alabama country music history.
Among the weekend’s special Fan Appreciation events is a meaningful gathering at Cook Castle, raising funds for a cause deeply personal to the band. At the center of it all is a love story—one that began nearly three decades ago between Jeff Cook, founding member of the legendary group Alabama, and the woman who would become his greatest supporter, Lisa.
Lisa met Jeff around 1990 while working as a flight attendant. At the time, Jeff was already a chart-topping country music superstar. Their worlds did not often intersect—“a flight attendant and a superstar are seldom at the same place at the same time,” Lisa once reflected—but fate brought them together. After five years of dating, Jeff proposed with a practical yet romantic twist. If they were going to marry, it would have to be during June Jam weekend—because that was the one time he knew he would be home.
On the eve of June Jam in 1995, by the fireplace at Cook Castle, Jeff and Lisa exchanged vows. Their honeymoon was brief, overshadowed by the energy of the festival, but neither would have had it any other way. Every June Jam after that became a cherished part of their life together—a blend of music, fans, laughter, and precious quiet moments stolen between performances.
Jeff’s joy was contagious. He loved entertaining, filling his home with friends, and seeing happiness reflected in others. But even the most beautiful love stories face challenges. In 2012, Jeff was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He continued touring with Alabama until 2017, determined not to let his illness define him. However, as his condition progressed, constant care became necessary.
Lisa soon realized that professional caretakers were in short supply, particularly in North Alabama. In the final chapter of Jeff’s life—while he was still able to communicate—the couple founded the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation. Their mission: to inspire and train caregivers, and to provide financial assistance for families who need support.
Jeff lived by a simple but powerful philosophy: “Never let the music stop, never let the party end, and no bad days.” Even as his health declined, he remained committed to that spirit. Before his passing, Lisa made him one final promise—that she would be okay. Today, she honors that promise by continuing their shared mission.
The funds raised at Cook Castle go directly—100 percent—toward training caregivers and encouraging more people to enter this essential but demanding profession. It is a legacy built not only on music, but on compassion.
As June Jam returns to the VFW Fairgrounds, surviving Alabama members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry take the stage alongside fellow country stars such as Jamey Johnson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills, and Neal McCoy. The concert celebrates Alabama’s enduring influence on country music—but it also stands as a tribute to Jeff Cook’s life, love, and unwavering optimism.
Through song, service, and remembrance, Jeff’s legacy lives on. And in Fort Payne, the music—and the love story—continues.