Joe Cocker – Joe Cocker's Greatest Hits Vol. 1

Joe Cocker – Joe Cocker's Greatest Hits Vol. 1

Joe Cocker's Greatest Hits Vol. 1 is a nine-track collection bringing together some of the most distinctive recordings from the early career of "Joe Cocker", the Sheffield-born vocalist whose raw, soulful delivery helped make him one of Britain's most recognisable rock singers. This UK compilation was issued by Pickwick Records in 1975 as catalogue SHM 954, collecting performances from Cocker's breakthrough years.

The set opens with Cocker's celebrated interpretation of The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends", the 1968 recording that established him internationally and remains one of his signature performances. Also represented from this early period is "Marjorine", originally released in 1968, alongside "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and the country-tinged "Jamaica Say You Will".

The second side moves through some of Cocker's best-known recordings of the turn of the 1970s, including "Delta Lady", "Pardon Me Sir", "Woman To Woman" and his powerful version of "The Letter". The collection closes with "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", adding another strong R&B and blues influence to a programme that demonstrates Cocker's ability to move between rock, soul, blues and American roots music. "Woman To Woman" dates from 1972, while the other recordings represented here range from the late 1960s into the early 1970s.

For fans of Joe Cocker, The Grease Band, British blues rock, classic rock, soul, R&B and late-1960s/early-1970s rock, this Pickwick compilation offers a concise selection of the recordings that established Cocker's reputation for intensely expressive vocals and blues-influenced interpretations of contemporary songs.

Tracklist

Side A

1. With A Little Help From My Friends – 4:05
2. Marjorine – 2:41
3. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood – 4:43
4. Jamaica Say You Will – 4:16

Side B

1. Delta Lady – 2:51
2. Pardon Me Sir – 3:16
3. Woman To Woman – 4:26
4. The Letter – 4:20
5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – 2:13