Elizabeth Cook sizzles with red-hot sound

“I did the major label thing [but] it wasn’t working at that point, ” she said. “I had a strong sense I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, so I had to shed that skin. I made the decision to go back to making indie records and figure out what I was doing, hone my craft.”

Of course that’s nothing new for the youngest of 11 children born into a working-class family in Wildwood, Fla. After she earned a degree in college that led to her accounting career, she snared a coveted songwriting slot on Music Row. That’s where she fell in love with the music of Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams and other songwriting royalty.

The artistry of their writing is arguably what fueled Cook’s energy to refine her writing and chase her own dreams. Not only did she walk away from a major label record deal, but she’s walked away from some high-profile acting offers as well.

Instead, Cook chose to follow her country star even when disappointment followed her efforts on more than one occasion. Rather than turn to the easy cash, Cook followed her heart, playing gigs — including more than 300 at the Grand Ole Opry — and recording. She also has developed a strong following for her daily XM radio show, “Apron Strings.”

Want more proof Cook hasn’t gone Hollywood despite her success? Her dad, Tom Cook, often travels with her and the band. In fact, she named her latest album after his profession, which he learned courtesy of the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, where he did time for running moonshine.

Now he sometimes runs the merchandise table to Cook’s shows and loves to entertain her fans with moonshine stories and jokes. Fans have even been known to request he perform songs.

“I’m stubborn,” said Cook. “I will write and perform what I want to write and perform. That’s what gratifies me and keeps me going.”