Biography
Elizabeth Cook, born July 18, 1972, in Wildwood, Florida, is an American country music singer, songwriter, radio host, and television personality known for her authentic, roots-oriented sound. Raised in a musical family—her mother Joyce was a hillbilly singer and her father Thomas a moonshiner who played upright bass in a prison band—Cook began performing at local bars, fairs, and festivals as a child. Her parents' love for country music and their own musical careers deeply influenced her early development. After graduating from Georgia Southern University with dual degrees in Accounting and Computer Information Systems, Cook moved to Nashville in 1996 to pursue music, eventually signing a publishing deal and releasing her major-label debut, 'Hey Y’all,' in 2002. Though the album received critical praise, it did not achieve mainstream commercial success, leading Cook to focus on independent releases and a relentless touring schedule. Over the years, she has released several acclaimed albums, including 'Balls' and 'Welder,' and has become a staple at the Grand Ole Opry, with over 400 appearances despite not being a member. Her music, often described as outlaw country, Americana, or alt-country, is celebrated for its honesty, wit, and connection to traditional country roots.
Cook’s career extends beyond music; she is the host of the SiriusXM Outlaw Country radio show 'Elizabeth Cook’s Apron Strings' and has appeared on television, including her own show 'Upstream.' Her performances have taken her across the United States and internationally, earning her a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Cook’s legacy is marked by her resilience, creativity, and dedication to preserving the spirit of classic country music while pushing its boundaries.
Fun Facts
- Elizabeth Cook made her Grand Ole Opry debut on March 17, 2000, and has since appeared over 400 times, the most by any non-member.
- Her father, Thomas Cook, learned to play upright bass while serving time in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary for running moonshine.
- Cook’s album 'Welder' is a tribute to her father’s welding trade, which he learned in prison.
- She hosted the SiriusXM Outlaw Country radio show 'Elizabeth Cook’s Apron Strings' starting in 2007.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joyce Cook - mother and first promoter, wrote songs for Elizabeth (early songs, including 'Does My Daddy Love the Bottle (More Than he Loves Me)?') [1970s–1980s]
- Thomas Cook - father, played upright bass, influenced her musical style (local country bands) [1970s–1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Tim Carroll - husband and guitarist, frequent musical collaborator (Welder tour, various recordings) [2000s–2010s]
- Bones Hillman - upright bass player, toured with Elizabeth (Welder tour) [2010s]
- Rodney Crowell - producer (Balls) [2007]
- Don Was - producer (Welder) [2010]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys | 2015-03-03 | Album |
| New Roses | 2025-06-06 | Album |
| Exodus of Venus | 2016-06-17 | Album |
| Welder | 2010-05-11 | Album |
| Time As We Know It: The Songs Of Jerry Jeff Walker | 2012-04-24 | Album |
| Aftermath | 2020-09-11 | Album |
| Back to the Camper | 2014-04-21 | Album |
| Balls | 2007 | Album |
| Carter Girl | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Welder | 2010 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Pancho & Lefty
- Tecumseh Valley
- Methadone Blues (Exodus of Venus)
- El Camino (Welder)
- Drink Till I See Double (Co-Starring)
- The Devil Went Down To Silverlake
- Walkin' Back to Georgia
- If Teardrops Were Pennies (Cayamo Sessions At Sea)
- Sometimes It Takes Balls to Be a Woman (Balls)
- Too Drunk to Fuck
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
elizabeth cook has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 9, 2025 | 01:28 | Anyone Elsefrom Anyone Else - Single | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 21:44 | blackland farmer | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |