Nobody had a voice like Joe Cocker. In fact, I’d be bold enough to say that the man had one of the most definitive voices of the 1960s. While he produced quite a bit of original work, he’s also well-known for his otherworldly cover songs. With that in mind, let’s celebrate the legend that is Joe Cocker with a few of his finest covers.
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Cry Me A River”
This one proves that Joe Cocker could cover just about anyone, considering Ella Fitzgerald sounds wildly different from him. Regardless, Cocker covered Fitzgerald’s iconic tune “Cry Me A River” and released it on his 1970 album Mad Dogs & Englishmen. The song takes on a whole new life with Cocker’s powerful vocals.
2. “Everybody Hurts”
This is one of the more modern songs on this list that Cocker covered before his death in 2014. Originally a famous R.E.M. song, Cocker’s cover is even sadder and more emotional than the original tune. It’s a standout cover from Cocker’s 2004 Heart & Soul record. Somehow, he sings the lyrics with more maturity and honesty than Michael Stipe did, though Stipe put a lot of conviction into the original track.
3. “Ain’t No Sunshine”
This Bill Withers classic is not an easy song to take on. Yet again, though, Joe Cocker made it look easy. His 1995 attempt is rich with sadness and excellent vocal control. Not many vocalists can match the incomparable Bill Withers’ lovely baritone, but Cocker comes quite close in his cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
4. “With A Little Help From My Friends”
Now, would this be a solid list of Joe Cocker covers without mentioning his claim to fame? Few would disagree that Joe Cocker’s version of “With A Little Help From My Friends” is more well-known than The Beatles’ original track. The way he just screams the lyrics feels spiritual. There’s a reason why his version is so revered and loved, decades after it was released.
5. “I Put A Spell On You”
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins put out “I Put A Spell On You” way back in 1956. I won’t even try to say that Cocker’s version is better, though. You can’t beat the original, and there have been countless incredible covers of this witchy tune through the years. However, Cocker’s version from 2004 deserves some praise. It was wise to take this one on when he was a bit older; smouldering, aged vocals are best suited for classics like this one.
Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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