R.I.P. Joe Cocker

[Syt]

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-30582761

Singer Joe Cocker dies aged 70

Singer Joe Cocker, best known for his cover of the Beatles' With A Little Help From My Friends, has died aged 70.

The singer song-writer from Sheffield had a career lasting more than 40 years with hits including You Are So Beautiful and Up Where We Belong.

His agent Barrie Marshall confirmed that he had died of an undisclosed illness.

He said he was "simply unique" and "it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts."

Known for his gritty voice, Cocker began his singing career in the pubs and clubs of Sheffield in the 1960s before hitting the big time.

He was propelled to pop stardom when his version of The Beatles' With A Little Help from My Friends reached number one.

His duet with Jennifer Warnes, Up Where We Belong - from An Officer And A Gentleman - hit number one and went on to win both a Grammy and an Academy Award.

He was honoured with an OBE in 2007.

Last year he broke all his own records in arenas across Europe, with a number one album in Germany and what was to be his final concert in Hammersmith, London, in June.

Marshall said "he was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain- and remained the same man throughout his life.

"Hugely talented, a true star, but a kind and humble man who loved to perform. Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him."

[Caliga]

 

[mongers]

A truly great talent, gone. 

[Josephus]

 

[derspiess]

RIP

[grumbler]

He was one of those great singers that really didn't have a great voice but had great style.  RIP.

And I thought he was most famous for "You are so Beautiful."  Whatever.

[Josquius]

Apparently he used to babysit from Jarvis cocker. Which is amusing considering it was at the height of his fame.

[Josephus]

http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink4574.html

[CountDeMoney]

And I thought he was most famous for "You are so Beautiful."  Whatever.

No kidding, I thought that was his trademark.

[mongers]

And I thought he was most famous for "You are so Beautiful."  Whatever.

No kidding, I thought that was his trademark.

I think that was more the one he re-invented himself with, for the previous 15 odd years he had success with other covers including 'friends', which didn't he famously sing at Woodstock?

edit:
I check, yes he was at Woodstock, though I didn't find a set list.

Here's Paul MaCartney talking about him and that song:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30582085

[FunkMonk]

Here's his performance of "With A Little Help From Friends" at Woodstock. And yes, it's pretty damn amazing.

http://youtu.be/POaaw_x7gvQ

And the setlist is here: http://woodstock.wikia.com/wiki/Joe_Cocker

[dps]

"With a Little Help From My Friends" was a bigger hit in the UK than in the US, while "You Are So Beautiful" was a bigger hit in the US (in fact, it didn't chart in the UK, and I'm not sure it was ever released as a single there).  Though overall, I guess his biggest hit was "Up Where We Belong".  I guess you could consider any of them as his signature song, depending on where you're from and how old you are.

[Admiral Yi]

Can't mention Joe Cocker without mentioning John Belushi doing Joe Cocker.

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v16039034KRFprghT?h1=John+Belushi+-+With+A+Little+Help+From+My+Friend

[grumbler]

"With a Little Help From My Friends" was a bigger hit in the UK than in the US, while "You Are So Beautiful" was a bigger hit in the US (in fact, it didn't chart in the UK, and I'm not sure it was ever released as a single there).   (snip)

I hadn't thought of that.  Makes sense.