He was as solid and consistent as the famous steel of his hometown (Sheffield, England), and who delivered often on record and in concert in a decades-long career.
Listening to the arrangement and performance on this recording as a kid drove me to choose music as my life-long passion and career. Or rather, it chose me. It also, along with A Whiter Shade of Pale, made me want to play Hammond organ, which I did. At 65, that instrument and my Leslie cabinet are still my prized possessions. Thanks for posting - and thanks Joe!
I’m a drummer but have hauled many a B-3 and Leslies up and down stairs, into and out of all kinds of vehicles. A pain in the ass BUT.,, Oh so worth it! Wonderful instrument. Jimmy Smith is king! Play on!
Loved Joe Cocker. I saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen when they played Metro-New York in 1970. I was far too young to be there but I was a music student and my parents okayed nothing connected to The Arts. Front row seat.
The band was almost too large for the small theatre. Imagine my delight when Cocker, writhing insanely, fell off stage into my lap . He was singing The Letter and never missed a note .
It’s a great interpretation of the Dave Mason (I think he wrote it) song. One of my favorite albums is still Mad Dogs and Englishmen with Leon Russell and band. Mad Dogs also contains a great version of Alex Chilton’s The Letter.
Great song, and this whole album is terrific - one of my all-time faves.
Joe Cocker was a rare 'interpreter' in an era where the artist was generally also the songwriter - and a better interpreter would be hard to find, in any era. His choice of material & musicians was impeccable, and he always made a song his own no matter who wrote it.
My late husband's favourite track. Once of the best intros to any song. We played this at his funeral, a brilliant tune.
He always played it wearing headphones, even when I was upstairs it was so loud I could still hear it. Good memories
Beautiful, thanks for sharing.
He was as solid and consistent as the famous steel of his hometown (Sheffield, England), and who delivered often on record and in concert in a decades-long career.
I’m the same age. This song just brightened up my day. Thanks for reminding me!
Joe is at his best here. Fantastic Latin inspired groove from the piano, bass, and drums. Killer blend in the background vocals.
The film…. Mad Dogs and Englishmen from 1971 tour if you can find it…. Rita Coolidge! And great band, Leon Russell Jim keltner and many more.
Listening to the arrangement and performance on this recording as a kid drove me to choose music as my life-long passion and career. Or rather, it chose me. It also, along with A Whiter Shade of Pale, made me want to play Hammond organ, which I did. At 65, that instrument and my Leslie cabinet are still my prized possessions. Thanks for posting - and thanks Joe!
I’m a drummer but have hauled many a B-3 and Leslies up and down stairs, into and out of all kinds of vehicles. A pain in the ass BUT.,, Oh so worth it! Wonderful instrument. Jimmy Smith is king! Play on!
You know who your real friends are when you have those to lug around! And YES to Jimmy Smith.
Brought back so many memories. I play keyboards and remember learning this song. May have to revisit it. Thanks for this!
Cocker.
Loved Joe Cocker. I saw Mad Dogs and Englishmen when they played Metro-New York in 1970. I was far too young to be there but I was a music student and my parents okayed nothing connected to The Arts. Front row seat.
The band was almost too large for the small theatre. Imagine my delight when Cocker, writhing insanely, fell off stage into my lap . He was singing The Letter and never missed a note .
It’s a great interpretation of the Dave Mason (I think he wrote it) song. One of my favorite albums is still Mad Dogs and Englishmen with Leon Russell and band. Mad Dogs also contains a great version of Alex Chilton’s The Letter.
Blue-eyed Soul at its best!
Great song, and this whole album is terrific - one of my all-time faves.
Joe Cocker was a rare 'interpreter' in an era where the artist was generally also the songwriter - and a better interpreter would be hard to find, in any era. His choice of material & musicians was impeccable, and he always made a song his own no matter who wrote it.
What a voice; always delivered songs with soul and passion.
One of my favourite songs ever!