Joe Cocker Has Died
Joe Cocker, the raspy voice of a several generations is now in heaven where the eagles fly and he’ll never have to hear the joke, “Cocker? I hardly know her!” BBC News says that Joe died at his ranch in Crawford, Colorado. Joe reportedly died from lung cancer. He was 70.
During his 50+ year career, the British legend won a Grammy for “Up Where We Belong,” the duet he did with Jennifer Warnes for An Officer and a Gentlemen. The song also won an Oscar. Joe’s first hit was in 1968 when he covered the Beatles’ “With A Little Help My From Friends.” Us children of the 80s know that song as the Wonder Years theme song. He had several other hits including “You Are So Beautiful To Me” and the iconic stripper anthem “You Can Leave Your Hat On.” (Side note: I was once on a date at a bar when “You Can Leave Your Hat On” started playing and the dude I was with said to me, “Is this about safe sex?” It does sound like it’s about safe sex. That song was truly ahead of its time!)
In 2007, Joe Cocker was awarded the OBE from Buckingham Palace. His last album “Fire It Up” was released in 2012. Joe Cocker’s agent Barrie Marshall released this statement:
“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.”
Joe is survived by his wife of 27 years, his brother, his step-daughter and his two grandchildren.
Rest in peace, Joe Cocker.