COCKER, Joe

COCKER, JOE (Cocker, Joe) (p. 1944), English singer. Born in the working area of Sheffield, 20 May 1944. After graduating from a vocational school specialty plumber, worked for gas company. In 1957, organized a rock band, which played in the bars to the workers nearby factories. I got carried away recordings of Ray Charles and began to imitate his style of execution ballads in the genre of soul and gospel, the good is allowed his expressive husky voice. In early 1960, leaving work, devoted himself entirely to the stage. The first single - a cover version of the song the Beatles' "I'll cry" (I'll Cry Instead) and Ballad of Ray Charles "Georgia" (Georgia On My Mind) - released in 1963. Noisy fame Cocker after recording the "Friends helped" (With a Little Help of My Friends). Members of the ensemble of the Beatles so impressed by his version of their famous songs, . they wrote for him two songs: Paul McCartney gave a playful Cocker "She came in through the bathroom window" (She Came In Through the Bathroom Window), . and George Harrison - the ballad "Something" (Something),
. In 1969, he was waiting for the first success overseas. At the famous rock festival in Woodstock English singer impressed the audience expressive cracked voice and a strange demeanor on stage - he was funny kicked and 'nerve' waving his arms like wings. After receiving a proposal to organize a tour in the U.S. in 1970, gathered a group of 'Mad dogs and Englishmen' ( 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen') and made a triumphal tour of the country. The double album and documentary about the concerts of this tour strengthened Coker fame as one of the most promising newcomers pop-rock. However, later in his career slump. Released in 1972 album "Joe Cocker" (Joe Cocker) left the audience and music critics indifferent. Not too proved successful and concert tour. Plates of 1970 testified to the difficult search for new musical material and a new performing style. In its arrangement became calmer, more lyrical songs started to sound the piano and acoustic guitar. Of the many entries the 1970's, only one - a ballad "You're so beautiful" (You Are So Beautiful) - became a bestseller. Discouraged failures, Coker decided to return to the Afro-American rock music and made several successful recordings in the style of rhythm and blues. Released in 1982 album "Sheffield Steel" (Sheffield Steel) marked a new rise in the career of the singer. Plate is successful cover versions of old rhythm-and-blues hits and energetic, nervous stylization 'under fifties'. With albums 1980's and early 1990's "civilized man" (Civilized Man), "Unleashed in my heart" (Unchain My Heart) and "Night Calls" (Night Calls) Coker finally found a lasting status of 'monster' pop music.