Inspired by duel events (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Tribute & Re-Issue of Classic Albums), Mr Pete pays his own Tribute to a musician who truly “Wows!” — then and now. Enjoy this piece and maybe book yourself some time to listen to /experience the impact of Joe Cocker’s music. —the editor
Where Restless Angels Roam, Good Trouble Follows…
“Coolness” is a state of mind. It can’t be captured, taught or learned. Growing up as a young man, I had a close friend who had an older brother who left him his record collection when he left for college.
Many afternoons we had gathered, to study, research , absorb, and witness the secrets and magical essence of these vinyl recordings. At that time, in my young sheltered life, my friend’s brother was the coolest person I knew. I really never knew him directly, only from the music he left behind.
Two LPs, the artist’s performances within and the musical language that was captured in their grooves, still speak to my soul today.
- George Harrison & Friends – Concert for Bangladesh
>> LINK to George Harrison & Friends – The Concert for Bangladesh (Official Trailer) - Joe Cocker – Mad Dogs and Englishmen
Live!
Both of these recordings were soundtracks to live concert performances. The MUSIC was a mixed emotional cocktail. A glorious storm of passionate presentations, well blended with a deliberate dedicated sense of duty and respect.
The musicians had a mission, they had to move mountains, trigger our empathy and save our souls…
The musicians had a mission, they had to move mountains, trigger our empathy and save our souls. Although years may have passed, desperate times have challenged us to revisit, recreate, relive these moments of Soulful Creation.
In 2025, a deluxe, double CD edition of “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” was issued. This past weekend, [Under the Hunter’s Moon of that year] Joe Cocker was finally admitted to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.
Also this year (2025), the Tedeschi/Trucks band along with special co-conspirator Leon Russell gifted us with “Revisited: Live at Lockin”.
- Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell – “The Letter” [Feat. Susan Tedeschi]***
Trying to capture mad lighting in a dusty bottle, this extended band of musical gypsies rose up, shook the cobwebs off these rock standards and brought the house down. With all due respect and admiration to the late Joe Cocker who had passed away in 2014.
[Note: There’s a lot of good music accessible on the Internet, so many links have been provided. Enjoy as you see fit AND… just hit SKIP if you get bombed with non-relevant ads.–the editor]
- Joe Cocker – With A Little Help From My Friends (Live From Mad Dogs & Englishmen)
Tedeschi Trucks Band and Friends – A Little Help From My Friends ***
[NOTE: Leon Russell, who performed at the Concert for Bangladesh as well as the Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour passed in 2016–Mr Pete]
Timeless angels Rita Coolidge and Dave Mason again grace us with their presence.
- Joe Cocker, Mad Dogs and Englishmen – Feelin’ Alright (LIVE)
- HD Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell – “Feelin’ Alright” [Feat. Dave Mason, Anders Osborne]
This evening of righteous worship was captured on film, just like original performance
That message that was preached to us, for us to learn and for us to practice and pass on to the next generation:
WE Must Learn To Live Together and WE Must Let It Be,
And WE can do ANYTHING with a Little Help from our Friends…
That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for hanging with me. As you can see, once I find something inspiring it tends to snowball. For you, let’s make this a leaping off point for your own discoveries. And by all means, please let US know what you’ve discovered. For sure, this is another artist that’s popped back into my life with an influence that’s… WOW!. Thanks for reading & listening. —Mr Pete
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
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