John Robert Cocker, better known as Joe Cocker to his fans, was a rock and blues musician recognized for his gritty voice and unusual body gestures when performing. He was a multi-award-winning vocalist best known for his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those by the Beatles, a legendary rock band. One of Cocker’s interpretations of The Beatles’ song, ‘With a Little Help from My Friends,’ launched him to worldwide fame. This song not only went to No. 1 in the United Kingdom, but it also helped him establish himself as a prominent rock and blues performer. He was musically oriented from an early age and began singing in public when he was 12 years old. He started his own musical group, the Cavaliers, when he was a teenager. He began his career as Vance Arnold, performing renditions of songs by prominent artists such as Chuck Berry and Ray Charles. In collaboration with Chris Stainton, he formed The Grease. He took his music to the United States by touring the country and performing at various major events, including the Denver Pop Festival. He gradually developed to become a very popular singer as a result of his hard work and talents, and was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 best vocalists.
Childhood and Adolescence
Joe Cocker, the youngest son of Harold and Madge Cocker, was born on May 20, 1944, in Crookes, Sheffield. His father worked for the government.
He grew up listening to music and was influenced by performers such as Ray Charles and Lonnie Donegan.
He began performing in front of an audience when he was 12 years old. In 1960, he founded his first band, the Cavaliers, with three buddies.
Career
In 1961, Joe Cocker took on the stage name Vance Arnold and founded a new band, Vance Arnold and the Avengers. The trio primarily played renditions of Ray Charles and Chuck Berry tunes.
The group’s first big break came in 1963, when they were invited to support the Rolling Stones at Sheffield City Hall. The next year, he signed with Decca as a solo artist. He debuted with a cover of The Beatles’ ‘I’ll Cry Instead’ as his first song. It was a flop, and his contract was terminated as a result.
He and Chris Stainton established the band ‘The Grease’ in 1966. This band performed in Sheffield pubs. Denny Cordell, the Moody Blues’ and Procol Harum’s producer, took notice of the band and invited Cocker to record a single, ‘Marjorine.’
He released the record that would make him famous in 1968. It was a cover of the Beatles’ single ‘With a Little Help from My Friends,’ which was released in 1964. This track reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom and was a minor hit in the United States.
By this time, the old Grease band had disbanded, and Cocker had formed a new Grease band with Henry McCullough and Tommy Eyre. In late 1968 and early 1969, he toured the United Kingdom.
In 1969, he published the album ‘With a Little Help from My Friends.’ It charted at No. 35 in the United States and was certified gold. He named the album after the cover single he released the year before.
Later that year, he released his second album. ‘Joe Cocker!’ it was called. Following in the footsteps of his debut, this album featured various covers of songs by prominent artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Leonard Cohen.
‘I Can Stand a Little Rain’ (1974), ‘Jamaica Say You Will’ (1975), ‘Stingray’ (1976), and ‘Luxury You Can Afford’ were among his other albums published in the 1970s (1978). However, none of these albums did particularly well.
In 1982, he and Jennifer Warnes recorded the duet ‘Up Where We Belong’ for the soundtrack of the film ‘An Officer and a Gentleman.’ The song was a worldwide smash hit and received numerous honors. ‘Sheffield Steel’ (1982), ‘Civilized Man’ (1984), and ‘Unchain My Heart’ were among his studio albums released during the decade (1987).
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he continued to tour and perform. Despite his advanced age, he continues to make regular performances on the musical scene.
Major Projects of Cocker
The tune that catapulted him to international recognition was his cover of the Beatles’ single ‘With a Little Help from My Friends.’ The track went to No. 1 in the United Kingdom and made Cocker famous. It also helped him establish good contacts with the Beatles.
Achievements & Awards
Joe Cocker won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo in 1983 for his duet with Jennifer Warnes on the No. 1 hit track “Up Where We Belong.”
In 2007, he was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to music at Buckingham Palace.
Personal History and Legacy
Joe Cocker dated Eileen Webster on and off from 1963 until 1976 before ending their relationship.
In 1987, he married Pam Baker, a major fan of his. The pair settled in Colorado after their marriage.
At the age of 70, he died of lung cancer in Crawford, Colorado on December 22, 2014.
Estimated Net Worth
Joe Cocker had a net worth of $60 million and was an English rock and blues singer.
Trivia
Jarvis Cocker’s father attempted to propagate the myth that this famous rock and blues singer was his brother.