Joe Cocker, the British-born blues and rock singer, passed away Monday morning at his home in Crawford, Colo. at the age of 70. He died of lung cancer.
Cocker is known for hits such as his cover of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” and “You Are So Beautiful”.
Here’s Cocker during a 2007 interview with KVNF talking about what he remembers most about Woodstock.
"I hate to say it to whoever asks, but I do get asked that a lot," Cocker says. "And it’s because I wasn't there that long. We flew in. I got straight out of the helicopter and went up on stage. It was late morning, did the show. Somebody gave me a big spliff backstage and I was back on the helicopter and out of there."
Cocker's performance at the 1969 music festival rocketed his career.
Mark Aglietti has known Cocker for nearly 45 years. Aglietti used to be his tour manager.
"When he was drinking he was a handful," Aglietti recalls. "He was a consummate performer though. He never missed a show and always did an upmost job."
Cocker lived in Delta County for nearly two decades. In 1998, he started the Cocker Kids Foundation with his wife Pam. The charity has give more $1 million to youth-related programs in the in the county.
Bob Pennetta, a KVNF DJ and board member, has known him since the early 70’s.
"He did so much for the students," Pennetta says. "He did so much for the schools. He did so much for his neighbors. He did so much that we don't even know about. If everyone of his stature performed in their communities like he did in ours it would be a different world."
Cocker was also a major supporter of KVNF.
Those close to his family say a private memorial is being planned.
Memorial donations can be made to The Cocker Kids' Foundation at P.O. Box 404, Crawford 81415.
