Joe Cocker to join Sheffield's 'hall of fame' » Local Government » 24dash.com

Singing legend Joe Cocker will be inducted into Sheffield’s ‘hall of fame’ when he returns to his hometown this weekend.

Joe concludes a significant week in his career when he receives an OBE from the Queen on Friday for his services to music and the final dates of his European tour at Sheffield Arena on Saturday and the London IndigO2 on Sunday.

During this hectic schedule Joe has agreed to Sheffield city centre on Saturday afternoon to unveil his bronze Sheffield Legends plaque.

Joe was born in Sheffield in May 1944, the youngest son of a civil servant.  By 1961 he worked by day as a gas fitter and by night, indark suit and bow tie, as Vance Arnold singing with The Avengers in local pubs.

A highlight for Joe was as a supporting act for the Rolling Stones at City Hall in 1963, when he brought the house down!

By 1966 he had formed his own first group with Chris Stainton, the Grease Band.

Like many aspirant singers then and now, he was heavily influenced by American soul and r’n’b, but struggled for a long time to find material strong enough to properly showcase what many critics maintain is the best white male voice that Britain has ever produced.

One Beatles song changed all that, and provided the title track to his debut album, a worldwide success.

Joe’s live performance of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ remains a defining memory for all who attended or watched on TV the original Woodstock Festival, held in upstate New York in 1969.

Accordingly, he alone of all the performers on that first bill was invited back 25 years later, when Woodstock 2 was staged.

Councillor Jan Wilson, Leader of Sheffield Council commented: “There are very few musicians in the last 50 years who have maintained their international popularity for as long as Joe and we are proud that he was born and bred in Sheffield.

"It will not be a surprise to anyone that the people of Sheffield selected Joe as one of their first Sheffield Legends and I am delighted that he is able to take time out of his busy schedule to unveil his plaque in the city.”

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday December 15 at 4pm outside the main entrance of the Town Hall. 

Don't miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts