Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker had a voice that could be recognized immediately, and he had one of the greatest rock and roll screams in the business.

John Robert Cocker was born on May 20, 1944

Cocker started his musical career with the aid of his brother, Victor. Victor had a band, the Headliners, and Joe sang with them. He later played drums in Victor’s group, the Cavaliers

In 1968 he really broke out with his version of “With a Little Help From My Friends”.   In 1969 he appeared at Woodstock.

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

In 1970 he did the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour.  Parts of this tour were captured in a film documentary of the same name as the tour.  It is quite an eye opener, in terms of drug use and other backstage activities, but the music is great.   If you can find a copy of this movie, watch it.  

He had an up and down career, struggled with drugs and alcohol, but managed to put out some great hits, like “You are so Beautiful” and “Up Where We Belong”.   My favorite is “When the Night Comes”.

Joe died on December 22, 2014 of lung cancer.

———————————————————