Boomer Anthems: Up Where We Belong

Hopefully he didn't die with a little help from his friends.

Posted by Christopher Taylor at December 22, 2014 12:06 PM

More like "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window"

Posted by Glenn at December 22, 2014 1:33 PM

A most unhinged live act back in the day. R.I.P. Joe

Posted by Will at December 22, 2014 3:55 PM

When I wrote my Christmas cards, I noticed almost half my address book was crossed out...this getting old stuff isn't for the tender hearted. Losing them one, by one..

Posted by Leslie at December 22, 2014 6:32 PM

I was so late to discover Joe Cocker. But the last dozen years with him in my playlists have been better for that discovery. "Delta Lady" is still my favorite.

Posted by Joan of Argghh! at December 22, 2014 6:39 PM

OK, let's roll em. I just ... feel somethin' ...

For many the Sixties was the best generation. "Boomers" was used to describe these folks but has taken on a pejorative meaning so let's just stick with The Sixties.
A big part of my growth was because of the music. All kinds of music, an eclectic assortment. I have "my" music, you all have yours.
Transition from child to adult, ideals and vestiges of the perfect world they left at home to get advanced education in the School of Hard Knocks.
Being introduced to Reality.
That's the nice thing about reality though, consequences are immediate and proportional: a short'n sharp feedback, no room for dithering excuses. — Remus

Yes, it puts some meaning to the phrase "the quick and the dead". Those that survived, as I have done, came away with scars and memories and lessons learned.
I like to think that I was forged in the fire and hammered out on the Anvil of Life.
I have had my share of Sex-Drugs-Rock&roll, Love, Hate, Fear, Pride, Shame. As I have said before I ran with bikers, shot junk, robbed banks; my hands have taken lives and saved lives when I was active military; I worked with the Billy Graham Crusade; I got a million miles of highway under my ass, slept with dogs, danced with angels, I got screwdrivers older than you …

I would not be the man I am today if I had not travelled the roads I did.
I thank God for the journey and ask for His indulgence with my shortcomings.
Joe Cocker: may the blessings of Heaven rest upon you.

Posted by chasmatic at December 22, 2014 11:19 PM

Though Joe Cocker had a 'lousy' voice, he is proof that all you need is heart.

www . youtube . com/watch?v=eL9k2pTFYrE#t=2m8s

Posted by Cond0011 at December 23, 2014 7:17 AM

My favorite, Black-Eyed Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5ReYop8Fa0

Many's the night I kicked back with a little skunk weed and a couple of beers and listened to it until the wee small hours. Especially one Christmas Eve, when I was in the middle of a truly sensational love affair. Life is full of invisible milestones. The moment, for instance, when you unknowingly listen to a favorite song for the last time, laying it down and picking it back up only when the artist dies, 40 years later.

Posted by ahem at December 23, 2014 8:16 AM

About 30 years ago, I was at an Air Show on a hot, humid July afternoon in Ohio. They played that song "Love Lift us up Where We Belong" while a pair of French sailplane pilots performed un-powered aerobatics as a duet in their sailplanes (gliders). It was one of the most beautiful and neat things I have ever seen.
And that's what I remember about this song when I hear it. And loved Joe's gravelly voice and animated twitching as he sang.
Cry Me a River, The Letter and a bunch of others.

Posted by David at December 23, 2014 12:54 PM

RIP Joe..... I always love your version of "Feeling alright" ........ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoAO0851FwA

Posted by vichris at December 23, 2014 3:27 PM

I saw the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour in SF. It was amazing. Joe was the only singer I can think of that could still command a stage in the midst of a mob of people. RIP, indeed.

Posted by Teri Pittman at December 24, 2014 6:45 AM