Joe Cocker was born in Sheffield, England May 20, 1944, in the mid sixties. He
worked as gas plumber by day and performed in the clubs of the area by night.
After joining up with Chris Stainton also from Sheffield, they recorded
Marjorine a minor success then they recorded ,With a Little Help From My
Friends. This album featured guest performers Jimmy Page, Steve Winwood and
Matthew Fischer. It quickly took off and received airplay on both sides of the
Atlantic. The title track on the album is arguably Cocker's best, it became a
major highlight of the Woodstock Festival in 1969, and surpasses the original
recording by the Beatles.
From 1971 to 1974, there were numerous reports of alcohol and drug abuse. His
episodes of public drunkenness were as well known as his talents, and the music
industry had written Cocker off as washed up, and early burn-out. The albums
released during this period included Joe Cocker, I Can Stand a Little Rain,
Stingray, Jamaica and Say You Will.
None of his records were artistically great, nor did they come close to the
commercial successes of his previous releases. The later releases from Joe
Cocker include Civilized Man, Cocker Live, Unchain My Heart, One Night of Sin,
and Have a Little Faith. These releases have earned him four consecutive Grammy
nominations for best male rock vocal performance. His career has been full of
ups and downs but he continues to be one of rock music's strongest assets.
Joe Cocker is one of rock and roll's enduring
performers who has survived the sixties, a low period
in the seventies, made a comeback in the eighties, and
continues to be a solid and consistent performer in
the nineties. His gutsy, vocal style and unique
stage presence make him one of the most dynamic
singers in the music industry. Joe was also one of the honored guests who were invited to sing at the party
in the palace. A rock concert held at Buckingham
Palace for the Queens Golden Jubilee on 3rd June 2002.
