Singer, Songwriter. Joe Cocker, whose career began in 1960s as a British blues-rock singer, will best be remembered for such songs like "You are So Beautiful" in 1974, "With a Little Help from My Friends" in 1968 and "Unchain My Heart" in 1987. Born John Robert Cocker, his first foray into music was under the stage name Vance Arnold with his band Vance Arnold and the Avengers, mainly covering Chuck Berry and Ray Charles, but the band landed their big break in 1963 when they opened for the Rolling Stones at a concert at Sheffield City Hall. Cocker would sign a solo record deal a year later and would go on to record over 40 albums over his career. He became known for his raspy voice and wild hip gyrations on stage, and rose to fame with his covers of popular songs, including the Beatles' song "With a Little Help From My Friends," which went to number one in 1968. He received a Grammy in 1983 for "Up Where We Belong," a duet with Jennifer Warnes and in 2007, was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his contribution to music.
Singer, Songwriter. Joe Cocker, whose career began in 1960s as a British blues-rock singer, will best be remembered for such songs like "You are So Beautiful" in 1974, "With a Little Help from My Friends" in 1968 and "Unchain My Heart" in 1987. Born John Robert Cocker, his first foray into music was under the stage name Vance Arnold with his band Vance Arnold and the Avengers, mainly covering Chuck Berry and Ray Charles, but the band landed their big break in 1963 when they opened for the Rolling Stones at a concert at Sheffield City Hall. Cocker would sign a solo record deal a year later and would go on to record over 40 albums over his career. He became known for his raspy voice and wild hip gyrations on stage, and rose to fame with his covers of popular songs, including the Beatles' song "With a Little Help From My Friends," which went to number one in 1968. He received a Grammy in 1983 for "Up Where We Belong," a duet with Jennifer Warnes and in 2007, was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his contribution to music.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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