British soul singer Joe Cocker parlayed Ray Charles-type vocals and an eccentric stage presence into a string of late-’60s hits, suffered in the mid-’70s, and went from tragic figure to well-respected interpreter in the ’80s and ’90s. His gritty, powerful voice remains one of the most distinctive in rock & roll today.
After leaving school early to become an apprentice gas fitter in Sheffield, England, Cocker joined his first group in 1959, the Cavaliers. When he moved to lead vocals in 1960, the band changed its name to Vance Arnold (Cocker’s stage name) and the Avengers. In 1961, he released his first single, a cover of The Beatles’ “I’ll Cry Instead” with a new band, Joe Cocker Big Blues.
But, it wasn’t until 1969, at Woodstock, that he entered the big time with another Beatles song, the groundbreaking rearrangement of “With a Little Help from My Friends” featuring lead guitar from Jimmy Page, and an explosive performance. That’s same year he was featured on The Ed Sullivan Show and This is Tom Jones.
His onstage physical intensity -, flailing his arms, playing air guitar and occasionally giving superfluous cues to his band – led to a key SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE moment when, while performing the hit “Feelin’ Alright,” cast member John Belushi joined Cocker onstage doing his famous impersonation of the singer.
“Delta Lady,” Cocker’s next big hit was penned by Leon Russell who also helped make the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour a success in 1970. It resulted in a #2 live double album that yielded a pair of hits – “The Letter” and “Cry Me a River” plus a film. Five years later, Cocker had one of the biggest hits of his career with the achingly tender Billy Preston-penned #5 hit, “You Are So Beautiful.”
In 1982, Cocker re-emerged with a #1 duet with Jennifer Warnes, “Up Where We Belong,” from the movie AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN. Since then, several other Cocker songs have graced films, including his version of Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” (91/2 WEEKS in 1986) and Bryan Adams’ “When the Night Comes” (AN INNOCENT MAN in 1990).
Earlier this year Cocker released an album titled “Hard Knocks,” and he recently completed a new record “Fire It Up,” which is scheduled to be released in November 2012.
Cocker was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s 2007 Birthday Honours list for services to music. Cocker also appeared that year in in the film ACROSS THE UNIVERSE with a cameo as the lead singer on another Beatles hit, “Come Together.”
At age 18, Worcester, England-native Dave Mason teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form the legendary band Traffic whose profound influence over rock music remains unquestioned, even today.
At 19, Mason penned the song “Feelin’ Alright.” First recorded by Traffic, this song has since become a rock and roll anthem and recorded by dozens of artists, including tour partner Joe Cocker.
In 1969, Mason pursued a solo career. A prolific artist, Mason has penned over 100 songs. He struck gold with the album “Alone Together”, which is considered a rock classic. This was followed by five albums including Dave Mason and Mariposa De Oro, four of which received gold albums. “Let It Flow”, which has gone well over platinum, contained the Top 10 single “We Just Disagree.”
In addition to performing to sold-out audiences, Mason performed, is linked with and has performed on a number of albums including The Rolling Stones’ “Beggars Banquet”; George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass”; Paul McCartney’s “Listen To What The Man Said” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland”. One of the songs from “Electric Ladyland”, “All Along the Watchtower,” featured Mason playing acoustic guitar. This song, written by Bob Dylan, remains a favorite in Mason’s live show.
Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of the group Traffic, and is considered an important figure in American music history. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Mason is hailed as one of the most talented songwriters and guitarists in the world.
Mason is a tireless supporter of philanthropic causes including Work Vessels for Vets, Yoga Blue, and Kids Rock.
Joe Cocker & Dave Mason will be at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Friday & Saturday September 28 & 29, 2012.
Joe Cocker & Dave Mason will be at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Friday & Saturday September 28 & 29, 2012.
