Washington Post – by Emily Yahr
Grammy-winning singer Joe Cocker died Monday at age 70, his record label confirmed. Cocker, the British ’60s rocker most famous for his cover of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” and songs such as “You Are So Beautiful,” was battling cancer.
“It will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts,” Cocker’s agent, Barrie Marshall, told the BBC.
Though Cocker was legendary for his earlier music (“With a Little Help From My Friends,” which he famously performed at Woodstock, is best-known as “The Wonder Years” classic theme song) he had some success in his later years, too. He had a top-selling European tour along with his final album, “Fire It Up,” in 2012. He also won an Oscar in 1982 for the song “Up Where We Belong,” a duet with Jennifer Warnes on “An Officer and a Gentleman” soundtrack.
Born and raised in Sheffield, England, he toured all over the world and was exceptionally energetic in concert. From a Washington Post article about one of Cocker’s shows in May 1970: “With all due apologies to Ike and Tina Turner, Janis, et al, I have never seen a more exciting live rock show … I didn’t bother with a poll, but I’d be willing to wager that not too many of the other 1,500 blown minds at that concert would disagree with me,” wrote reviewer Alex Ward.
The news about Cocker’s declining health was kept under wraps until September, when Billy Joel performed a tribute for Cocker in concert and called him “a great singer who is not very well right now.” He also urged for Cocker to get a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Here’s Sony Music’s full statement:
John Robert Cocker, known to family, friends, his community and fans around the world as Joe Cocker, passed away on December 22, 2014 after a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. Mr. Cocker was 70 years old.
Joe Cocker was born 5/20/1944 in Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20’s. In 2007 he was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England.
His international success as a blues/rock singer began in 1964 and continues till this day. Joe created nearly 40 albums and toured extensively around the globe.
Cocker performing “With a Little Help From My Friends” at Woodstock:
“The Wonder Years” opening:
“Up Where We Belong” with Jennifer Warnes:
John Belushi with his Cocker impression on “Saturday Night Live”:
John Belushi cantando ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ from James Lester Wright Gajete on Vimeo.
And here’s Billy Joel’s tribute:
Emily Yahr covers pop culture and entertainment for the Post. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyYahr.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/12/22/singer-joe-cocker-dies-at-age-70/
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27188017/joe-cocker-famed-singer-and-colorado-resident-dead
Rip Joe
Always loved the SNL skit with him and Belushi.
tks for posting
You can leave your Hat on now, Joe, Godbless you Mr. Cocker.
so many, from the last many decades…those who gave us variety in music…not this stomp stomp…hip hop or rap or such which many yrs from now won’t be a whisper in the discussion of American music…are leaving us….well…got to just get some new musical talent who carry on with the simplicity of musical vision…now, lets see, where are those willing to foot the bill…until those youth take off?
Joe Cocker – RIP
take it, take another little piece of my heart……
good bye Joe
One of the great talents to come along during my time. You will be missed Joe. RIP.
Hey Angel just went through the videos here. All i can say is AWESOME. He will be missed. his music gave me some neat memories.
Yes, agreed. I’m posting a couple of his more recent songs that you my not have heard.
outstanding.
ah yes . the letter brought back some memories on that one Angel. 😎
I’m in shock! He is only 5 years older than me.
Somewhere in the back of our minds, we tend to think they, and we, will live on forever. But with all the hustle and bustle of everyday living, we forget how fast time passes us by, until someone we love so dearly suddenly passes away and brings us back to reality.
We had some good times together Joe . . . your music and I . . . I mean. Thank you for sharing your gift with us Joe. You will forever be a memory in our hearts and minds. We love you . . . rest in Peace.
. . .
diggerdan told me to post this one 😉
hah Bet Daniel is grinnin. 😎
🙂
My personal favorite is “leave your hat on” live with full band with horn section by Joe Cocker. I also love John Belushi’s imitations of Cocker on the original SNL (not the CRAP SNL of today).
One of the greatest “characters” in rock history. Sounds like Ray Charles, if you don’t look at who’s singing.