Music lost one of its blues-iest rock n roll singers before Christmas, when Joe Cocker passed away at the age of 70.
Cocker was battling lung cancer, which finally took over his body and claimed it on Monday December 20, 2014. Many are familiar with Cocker’s gritty and raspy voice that was defined by its roughness. While his voice was so course, he had the ability to deliver sweet, simplistic, and beautiful messages that invoked strong emotional feelings in his audiences and fans. An example of this is his rendition of the song “You are so beautiful”, a song that has been defining romance and has a minimal amount of lyrics.
Cocker was a British musician even though he had the style and voice of an American rock n’ roll star, but he got his start playing in small bars and clubs in England, and he became friends with several members of the Beatles. His friendship inspired him to cover “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Cocker’s cover of the song reinvented it with help of guest musicians Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and BJ Wilson. His cover would be iconic when it was chosen to be the theme song for the popular television series “The Wonder Years.” Cocker’s musical career spans over forty years and he had won multiple Grammy awards. His live performances will be certainly live on and replayed for future generation, especially his classic set at the original Woodstock Festival from 1969.
