Billy Joel was the first major act and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to publicly support Joe Cocker's nomination for induction. Back in 2014, Joel wrote a heartfelt letter to the nominating committee, which he hand-delivered to the Rock Hall. Until recently, the contents of that letter remained a mystery. However, late last week, Joel re-posted a video from Cocker’s social media platforms from 2016, where he read the letter to filmmaker John Edginton just before taking the stage at Madison Square Garden. Although Edginton filmed Joel’s reading for his documentary, Joe Cocker: Mad Dog With Soul, it was ultimately left out of the final cut.
In the letter, Joel praised Cocker as “the most powerful rock and roll interpretive male singer” he had ever heard, comparing him to the iconic Ray Charles. Joel emphasized that no one had come close to Cocker as one of the great primal rock and roll vocalists of all time. Joel is not alone in his admiration; other Hall of Fame members such as Paul McCartney, Billy Gibbons, and Elvis Costello & The Attractions' drummer Pete Thomas have also sung Cocker's praises. Like Cocker, Thomas hails from Sheffield, England, adding a personal touch to his endorsement.
Reflecting on what Cocker would think of these accolades, his widow Pam shared that he was always an advocate for deserving artists and never felt anger or resentment about being overlooked himself. She believes he would have been delighted by this recognition, not just for himself but for other great artists as well. Cocker’s brother Vic added that Joe often closed his shows with the words “Rock and Roll!”—a testament to his musical passion. Being recognized among his heroes would have been the greatest privilege he silently wished for. Cocker, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 70, currently sits at number six in the Rock Hall's Fan Vote. Fans can cast their votes once a day through April 21st at RockHall.com.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]