Joe Cocker is the perfect example of people judging a book by its cover. I think we all felt the same way about his disheveled appearance and quirky mannerisms (and who could ever forget John Belushi’s impersonations on SNL?) but once he opened his mouth and started singing, all doubts flew out the window. He was one of the most memorable performers; just watching him, you knew he was “in the zone” when he was singing. He was a terrific artist and one of the few who actually did Beatles covers exceptionally well. For that alone, I give Joe an A+!
Today I’m featuring a song he did at Woodstock, his iconic and memorable rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends”.
Here is the late, great Joe Cocker. Enjoy!
I can say without a doubt this is my favorite Beatles cover; in fact, I’ll take that one step further and say I like Joe’s version better than The Beatles’ (and that’s not something I say very often!).
What’s your opinion? How’d you like this version? Are you a Joe Cocker fan?
That’s it for today In The Groove. Catch you next week with another great vid.
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR © 2023
The Elephant's Trunk 
I’ve always been a fan of Joe Cocker, this is a great version of the song, but it is always bittersweet to me since the song was played at my father’s memorial service, it takes me back to that day every time!
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I think I’m with you on this one N. His cover is far more emotional, gritty, I don’t know, more everything!
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Did you see him at Woodstock, D?
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Missed him! Must have been back in my car, stuffing my face!
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He was great and I agree that his cover of this song was better than the Beatles’ original. Cocker’s cover is so much more soulful.
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Absolutely I’m a fan. Favourite song of his might be You Can Leave Your Hat On. Or The Letter. Not a fan of Belushi; not a fan of humour at another person’s expense.
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You Can Leave Your Hat On is a great song, written and first recorded by Randy Newman (remember the theme song from Monk?).
SNL is all about satire … or at least it was. I haven’t watched in 20+ years so I don’t have a clue what it’s like now. There certainly were some very funny skits back in its heyday. Aside from Belushi’s impersonations, I found him to be annoying and not funny; I don’t like rude, boisterous, senseless skits or a slovenly appearance and Belushi was all those.
There was at least one time when Joe Cocker performed on SNL alongside Belushi impersonating him. I’d have to guess Joe was ok with it.
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Such a great song, and he is magnificent.
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I’ve been a Joe Cocker fan since “Mad Dogs And Englishmen.” Whether I like Ringo’s or his “With A Little Help From My Friends” better depends a lot on my mood. It’s safe to say I like them both about the same. I definitely like his cover of “The Letter” better than the Box Tops’ original (and I like The Box Tops a whole lot). His cover of “Cry Me A River” was unique: Julie London’s is the definitive version of that, but his is an interesting take on it.
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Right on, John! Perfectly stated.
Obviously, we’re in 100% agreement, especially about “Cry Me A River”.
Great comment!
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Doesn’t get much better than this, John:
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That’s the incredible Barney Kessel on guitar and Ray Leatherwood on bass. They were two original members of The Wrecking Crew. Did you ever see the movie “The Girl Can’t Help It,” with Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewell? Great music movie: Julie London singing this, Little Richard, Ray Anthony, The Treniers, Gene Vincent and The Blue Caps, The Platters….
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Yes! What a campy movie that is, chock full of great tunes!
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Personally I think Joe Cocker is very underrated as a singer. He packs so much emotion into his vocal, it really draws you in. You feel the lyrics, which makes a nice change from the cookie cutter songs so prevalent today
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Bring it on home, Deb! Thrilled to read that you know and like Joe. He was an incredible performer.
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Do I like Joe? A. Lot.
Do I prefer his authentic idiosyncratic presence than PR shaped clones? 100%
Do I hate people judging a book by its cover? Yes 🤬.
Is this one of my most favourite songs – the Woodstock performance in particular? Hell, yeah!
(btw, it speaks volumes the fact you distinguished Joe’s version over The Beatles’)
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Ah! The sweet smell of vindication!
So glad to see you dig it, Nick.
Then again, I already knew you would. 😎
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I remember this mostly from The Wonder Years. Never realised he was British, but he’s not someone I’ve ever particularly listened to.
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Shocking! 🤯
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