Joe Cocker Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Joe Cocker
Cocker in 1969
Background information
Birth name	John Robert Cocker
Also known as	Vance Arnold The Sheffield Soul Shouter
Born	(1944-05-20)20 May 1944 Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died	22 December 2014(2014-12-22) (aged 70) Crawford, Colorado, United States
Genres	Rock, blues, soul, pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, musician
Instruments	Vocals harmonica piano
Years active	1961–2013,
Labels	Regal Zonophone, A&M, Capitol, EMI, Decca
Associated acts	The Grease Band

John Robert "Joe" Cocker was a famous English singer and musician. He was born on May 20, 1944, and passed away on December 22, 2014. Joe Cocker was well-known for his powerful, rough voice and his energetic performances. He was also famous for singing his own versions of popular songs from different music styles.

In 1993, Joe Cocker was nominated for a Brit Award for Best British Male Singer. Later, in 2007, he received a special bronze plaque in his hometown of Sheffield, England, as part of the Sheffield Legends program. In 2008, he was honored with an OBE at Buckingham Palace for his amazing contributions to music. Rolling Stone magazine also recognized him as one of the 100 greatest singers of all time.

Early Life and First Steps in Music
A Career Full of Hits
Personal Life
Later Years and Legacy
Awards and Honors
Discography
- Studio Albums
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Sheffield Legends plaque in Cocker's home city of Sheffield, England

Joe Cocker was born in Sheffield, England, on May 20, 1944. His father, Harold Norman Cocker, worked for the government and was also in the Royal Air Force. His mother's name was Madge. Joe got his nickname either from a childhood game called "Cowboy Joe" or from a local window cleaner.

As he grew up, Joe was greatly inspired by musicians like Ray Charles and Lonnie Donegan. His very first time singing in public was when he was just 12 years old. His older brother, Victor, invited him to sing on stage with his skiffle group. In 1960, Joe and three friends started their first band, called the Cavaliers. After about a year, the Cavaliers broke up. Joe then left school to become an apprentice gasfitter, which meant he learned to install and fix gas pipes. But he never stopped working towards his dream of a music career.

A Career Full of Hits

In 1968, Joe Cocker became very successful with his new version of "With a Little Help from My Friends". This was a famous song by The Beatles. Many years later, Joe's version became the opening theme song for the TV show The Wonder Years. His recording of the song featured famous musicians like Jimmy Page on guitar. The song quickly became number one on the UK Singles Chart. It also did well in the US.

Joe performed this hit song live at the famous Woodstock in 1969. He also sang at the Isle of Wight Festival that same year. In 2002, he performed at the Party at the Palace concert to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1974, his cover of "You Are So Beautiful" became a big hit, reaching number five in the US.

A few years later, in 1982, Joe Cocker recorded a duet with Jennifer Warnes called "Up Where We Belong". This song was for the movie An Officer and a Gentleman. It became a huge international hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. The song also won a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Joe and Jennifer even performed it at the Academy Awards ceremony.

Joe Cocker continued to record music and tour for many years. His last studio album, Fire It Up, came out in 2012. He then went on a big tour in 2012 and 2013. His very last live performance was on September 7, 2013, in Germany.

Personal Life

Joe Cocker in 2013

In 1963, Joe Cocker started dating Eileen Webster. They were together for a long time before they separated.

Later, in 1978, Joe moved to a ranch in Santa Barbara, California. This ranch was owned by the actress Jane Fonda. A fan named Pam Baker helped Joe get the house. Pam and Joe started dating and got married on October 11, 1987. They lived together on their ranch in Crawford, Colorado.

Later Years and Legacy

Joe Cocker passed away from lung cancer on December 22, 2014, at the age of 70. Many famous musicians, including the former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, shared their sadness and paid tribute to him. Joe's agent, Barrie Marshall, said that Joe Cocker was "without doubt the greatest rock/soul singer ever to come out of Britain."

Awards and Honors

1983: Grammy Award, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, with Jennifer Warnes for "Up Where We Belong"
1993 Nominee: Brit Award for Best British Male
1994: Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University
2007: Order of the British Empire (OBE)