Introduction:
Country music fans are gathering in Fort Payne, Alabama, this weekend for one of the most anticipated events in country music history — the long-awaited return of June Jam, hosted by the legendary supergroup Alabama. After a 26-year hiatus, this year’s concert is more than just a musical celebration; it’s a heartfelt tribute to love, resilience, and the enduring legacy of one of Alabama’s founding members — the late Jeff Cook.
The festivities began at Cook Castle, where fans came together for a special fundraiser supporting the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation — a cause deeply personal to the Cook family. The foundation was born from a love story that began more than three decades ago, one that blended music, devotion, and unshakable strength.
Lisa Cook first met Jeff around 1990. At the time, she was a flight attendant, and he was already a country superstar performing with Alabama. Their worlds couldn’t have been more different, yet fate had its own melody. After five years of dating, Jeff proposed a wedding that perfectly fit his touring life — the night before June Jam 1995, in front of the fireplace at Cook Castle, the couple said “I do.” For the next 28 years, they laughed, loved, and built a life filled with joy and music.
“He was happiest when everyone else was happy,” Lisa shared, recalling how Jeff loved opening their home to friends, fans, and family. “He made everything feel okay — no matter what.”
But even fairy tales have their trials. In 2012, Jeff was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Still, his spirit never wavered. He continued touring with Alabama until 2017, determined to live by his motto: “Never let the music stop or the party end — no bad days.”
As Jeff’s illness progressed, Lisa discovered the challenges of finding trained, compassionate caretakers. That realization inspired her to create the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation, dedicated to training and supporting caregivers — a mission Jeff himself helped launch before his passing. “I promised him I would be okay,” Lisa said softly. “And through this foundation, I will keep that promise.”
Today, the foundation stands as a living tribute to Jeff’s generous heart and enduring optimism. Every dollar raised from events like this weekend’s gathering at Cook Castle goes directly toward caregiver training programs and support for families in need — continuing Jeff’s belief that love, kindness, and music could make the world a better place.
As June Jam returns with performances by Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie Johnson, Mark Wills, and more, the spirit of Jeff Cook resonates louder than ever. His music lives on, his legacy thrives, and his love story with Lisa remains one of country music’s most beautiful ballads — a reminder that, even in loss, love keeps playing its tune.