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English singer Joe Cocker was well-known for his raw, bluesy vocals and exciting live performances that incorporated expressive body language. Joe passed away on December 22, 2014.
Biography
Joe Cocker was born in Sheffield, England on May 20, 1944. He started his ascent to musical success in the 1960s. In 1969, he published his debut album, “With a Little Help from My Friends,” which became his breakout release. The Beatles song, which serves as the title tune, shot Cocker to almost immediate fame and peaked at number one on the UK charts.
His success continued with his second album, which featured another Beatles cover, “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window.” A hastily organized 1970 U.S. tour resulted in the iconic live double album “Mad Dogs & Englishmen,” featuring an all-star band organized by Leon Russell.
After reaching the fifth spot in the US charts in 1974, Cocker’s performance of “You Are So Beautiful” became a signature tune. Cocker’s rich and sensitive voice was highlighted in this sorrowful tune, which further solidified his appeal to audiences throughout the globe.
Over his 43-year recording career, Joe Cocker created an incredible 22 studio albums, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore new things. In addition to becoming his best-selling single and reaching the top of the US charts, “Up Where We Belong” was his 1983 collaboration with Jennifer Warnes, for which they received a Grammy Award.
He received several accolades for his musical abilities, one of which was a 1993 nomination for the Brit Award for Best British Male. In recognition of his contributions to music, the city of Sheffield awarded him a bronze Sheffield Legends plaque in 2007; the following year, he was named an OBE (Order of the British Empire).
Cocker’s influence was international; Rolling Stone ranked him 97th out of the 100 greatest vocalists. His poignant performances and deep voice have established a lasting legacy that inspires musicians of all stripes.
Throughout his life, Joe Cocker remained steadfast in his devotion to his craft. In 2012, his most recent studio album, “Fire it up,” was released, and he embarked on a lengthy tour that took him through Europe and the United States. One particularly memorable aspect of the tour was its demonstration of Cocker’s enormous popularity in Germany, where he played 25 consecutive shows.
Was Joe Cocker Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease?
Joe Cocker did not have a neurological condition. However, he passed away due to lung cancer.
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