in Pencil Music

Words cannot describe Joe Cocker’s performance last night at the 16th Annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. Having grown up listening to Joe on classic rock radio stations at a very young age, many of his songs are etched deep in the blueprint of my musical influences. Joe came on in the pouring rain, with his full band – back up singers and all, to take us all on an unforgettable experience.

I was particularly moved when he sang “Up Where We Belong”, a song I’m so familiar with I never really paid close enough attention to. But with Joe standing five feet in front of me, with the rain pouring down, every note rang true. I even caught a glimpse of what appeared to be him crying, and being extremely emotional after each phrase of the song. It’s quite clear this song has a very personal meaning to him in his life and career. And I think we all can connect with it in one way or another – making it one of those great songs that will last forever.

I’ve never experienced a singer who is more emotionally connected to music than Joe Cocker. He was jumping up and down, and singing from a place in his soul very few manage to reach. I could see it in his eyes, and everybody in the crowd knew it.

I’ll leave you with this clip of Joe at his best:

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