3/15/2005 Joe Cocker, Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ


16 years ago today...

March 15, 2005 - Phoenix, AZ

 Joe Cocker showcased his unique style for Mad Dogs and Englishmen and local music fans in a concert on the revolving round stage at Celebrity Theatre.

I first discovered Joe Cocker in the Woodstock movie with his memorable performance of the Beatles "With A Little Help From My Friends."  The spasmodic body movements from the film and later mimicked by a worshipping John Belushi on "Saturday Night Live" were still present, but toned down in this show.

Cocker was touring behind his just-released album of covers titled "Heart and Soul."  His most popular works are covers from other artists, so another album filled with covers wasn't a surprise.  

Cocker's raspy vocals cut through rockers like "Delta Lady," "The Letter" and "Feelin' Alright," but was also emotive in poignant pieces like "Up Where We Belong" and the concert-closing "You Are So Beautiful."  

This was my one and only opportunity to see Joe Cocker live and we had great seats right up front.  He died nine years later of lung cancer at age 70.  He had reportedly smoked 40 cigarettes a day until he quit in the early 90s.

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