Like many an English musician of his era, the late vocalist Joe Cocker had an affinity for soul, blues and R&B music. Born and raised in Sheffield, Cocker’s early influences were Ray Charles and Chuck Berry; his energetic and passionate covers of their music eventually earned him the moniker “The Sheffield Soul Shouter.” Even when Cocker rocked, he did so with soul, and his live performances were renowned for his other-worldly, spasmodic body movements, his textured, gravelly voice, and his utter authenticity.
Like many an English musician of his era, the late vocalist Joe Cocker had an affinity for soul, blues and R&B music. Born and raised in Sheffield, Cocker’s early influences were Ray Charles and Chuck Berry; his energetic and passionate covers of their music eventually earned him the moniker “The Sheffield Soul Shouter.” Even when Cocker rocked, he did so with soul, and his live performances were renowned for his other-worldly, spasmodic body movements, his textured, gravelly voice, and his utter authenticity.
We feature here the track “Feelin’ Alright” from Cocker’s live album Mad Dogs & Englishmen released in 1970. No doubt owing in part to the skill of his bandleader and pianist Leon Russell, the track is a gritty rock/R&B hybrid with majestic, gospel-like backing vocals from Rita Coolidge and the soul artist Claudia Lennear, a former paramour of Mick Jagger, who is alleged to have been the inspiration behind Jagger’s “Brown Sugar” and “Lady Grinning Soul” by David Bowie. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk