Joe Cocker

Not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Eligible since: 1995

First Recording: 1969

Previously Considered? Yes  what's this?

Joe Cocker
HALL OF FAME INDICATORS
🔲Rolling Stone 500 Albums
🔲Rolling Stone 500 Songs
Rolling Stone Cover
Saturday Night Live
🔲Major Festival Headliner
🔲Songwriters Hall of Fame
🔲“Big Four” Grammys
500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll
Rolling Stone
100 Greatest Singers

Essential Albums (?)WikipediaYouTube
With a Little Help From My Friends (1969)
Mad Dogs and Englishmen (1970)

Essential Songs (?)WikipediaYouTube
With A Little Help From My Friends (1968)
Feeling Alright (1969)
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window (1969)
The Letter (1970)
You Are So Beautiful (1974)
Up Where We Belong (1982)
You Can Leave Your Hat On (1986)

Joe Cocker @ Wikipedia

Will Joe Cocker be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
"Musical excellence is the essential qualification for induction."
Yes: 
No :


Comments

44 comments so far (post your own)

I only know that the RRHOF is missing a hell of a singer. Nobody, and I repeat nobody resembles his style of singing. KUDOS TO JOE COCKER!!!!!!

Posted by Ricardo Jose on Thursday, 01/24/2013 @ 23:49pm


Shocking,,, he is on already a member of RRHOF!!!

Posted by Happy on Tuesday, 07/9/2013 @ 23:15pm


Lately I have been on a bit of a mission because I just recently realized that Linda Ronstadt has not been inducted. As a few members of the Eagles have recently stated, " a travesty". Today I was listening to a Cocker tune and had a hold on there moment. A quick google and sure enough another glaring omission. I'm very happy to have found this site. These are two wrongs that need to be righted.

Posted by David Brown on Tuesday, 07/30/2013 @ 10:08am


Enough already! How do you start a campaign to get Joe in the RRHF? Wasn't there a Facebook campaign to get Betty White to host SNL? How about something like that? Will someone with the knowledge please start something?

Posted by Dennis Sheahan on Thursday, 09/26/2013 @ 16:05pm


Eligible since 1994 and still not in?
Unbelievable!
Joe is a living legend and should have been inducted long time ago.
This is a BIG mistake.

Posted by Norbert Fimpel on Friday, 10/25/2013 @ 08:44am


Rock & Roll is changing and it needs to be preserved! Joe Cocker should have been in the RRHOF a long time ago! If anyone has seen a Joe Cocker show you would know why!!! Joe is a Legend!!!

Posted by Eddie on Friday, 10/25/2013 @ 09:11am


Joe Cocker is one of the great voices of the 60's and 70's. His version of With A Little Help From My Songs is iconic. He put out relevant music in every decade after. I can't understand what is keeping him out.

Posted by Mike G on Wednesday, 11/6/2013 @ 14:28pm


I believe Joe Cocker is the finest living rock singer of his generation, and should be recognized for his contribution. Maybe he is an acquired taste, I don't know, but how could anyone deny his endurance and singular talent?
When compared to other inductees he stands far above most. There is justifiable excuse for this blatant snub. The RRHOF should be accountable to the fans who have made R&R what it is, and those who know the joy of a Joe Cocker performance. But alas, we live in a corrupt world.


Posted by Poppy on Thursday, 03/13/2014 @ 11:42am


Surprised Joe Cocker not in RRHOF!!! He usually pops up a few times a decade with a timeless song. Whether it's Up Where We Belong ,When The Night Comes,You Are So Beautiful, With A Little Help From My Friends...

I thought his participation in the historic Woodstock concerts would put him over the top as well his 45+ year career. It shows you the RRHOF has shifting criteria for some artists. I would support Joe Cocker in RRHOF. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 05/20/2014 @ 22:30pm


Billy Joel last night, made a plea at his concert at madison square garden that Joe Cocker should be elected into the HOF pronto! Do you know why? Joe is in failing health, and he has been snubbed long enough by these morons who know nothing about rock history, and continue to snub Joe Cocker. I am afraid that Joe will like some before him and die, before he gets a chance to see his day in the sun. He is well deserving, and a rock icon, who deserves to be honored while he is still with us, so his family, friends and fans can enjoy his induction for his SIGNIFICANT contributions to Rock n Roll as one of rocks greatest interpretive singers.His resume speaks for itself. Truly one of the iconic classic rock voices of them all. For goodness sakes, he can't even get a nomination. This is just terrible treatment and an injustice by those who vote, and continue to ignore this mans greatness, even if his peers like Eric Clapton and Billy Joel say otherwise. You see fit to induct rappers, one hit wonders, and much less significant artist's like Blondie. They should be ashamed of themselves. No one is going to convince me that Grandmaster flash and Blondie made more significant contributions to Rock music than Joe Cocker, Simply outrageous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Tony on Saturday, 09/20/2014 @ 00:20am


Billy Joel last night, made a plea at his concert at madison square garden that Joe Cocker should be elected into the HOF pronto! Do you know why? Joe is in failing health, and he has been snubbed long enough by these morons who know nothing about rock history, and continue to snub Joe Cocker. I am afraid that Joe will like some before him and die, before he gets a chance to see his day in the sun. He is well deserving, and a rock icon, who deserves to be honored while he is still with us, so his family, friends and fans can enjoy his induction for his SIGNIFICANT contributions to Rock n Roll as one of rocks greatest interpretive singers.His resume speaks for itself. Truly one of the iconic classic rock voices of them all. For goodness sakes, he can't even get a nomination. This is just terrible treatment and an injustice by those who vote, and continue to ignore this mans greatness, even if his peers like Eric Clapton and Billy Joel say otherwise. You see fit to induct rappers, one hit wonders, and much less significant artist's like Blondie. They should be ashamed of themselves. No one is going to convince me that Grandmaster flash and Blondie made more significant contributions to Rock music than Joe Cocker, Simply outrageous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Tony on Saturday, 09/20/2014 @ 00:25am


Billy Joel last night, made a plea at his concert at madison square garden that Joe Cocker should be elected into the HOF pronto! Do you know why? Joe is in failing health, and he has been snubbed long enough by these morons who know nothing about rock history, and continue to snub Joe Cocker. I am afraid that Joe will like some before him and die, before he gets a chance to see his day in the sun. He is well deserving, and a rock icon, who deserves to be honored while he is still with us, so his family, friends and fans can enjoy his induction for his SIGNIFICANT contributions to Rock n Roll as one of rocks greatest interpretive singers.His resume speaks for itself. Truly one of the iconic classic rock voices of them all. For goodness sakes, he can't even get a nomination. This is just terrible treatment and an injustice by those who vote, and continue to ignore this mans greatness, even if his peers like Eric Clapton and Billy Joel say otherwise. You see fit to induct rappers, one hit wonders, and much less significant artist's like Blondie. They should be ashamed of themselves. No one is going to convince me that Grandmaster flash and Blondie made more significant contributions to Rock music than Joe Cocker, Simply outrageous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Tony on Saturday, 09/20/2014 @ 00:25am


Cocker is a cockey cocker spaniel.

Posted by Timius on Saturday, 09/20/2014 @ 08:44am


Wow! Is Joe Cocker really ill? I hope he gets better soon...

Posted by Ivo on Monday, 09/29/2014 @ 22:38pm


joe cocker does other bands songs better and with more power than the bands that wrote the songs, including the beatles.how can the crappy beasty boy's be in the rrhof but not Joe Cocker? it's outrageous and it's b.s.
MR. Cocker did a 2 hr. concert live in Germany last year 2013 that was amazing and he was 70 yrs old when he did it.

Posted by russell on Friday, 12/19/2014 @ 11:41am


R.I.P. Joe Cocker. Had some great music and would be an acceptable hall of famer, in my eyes.

Posted by Steve Z on Monday, 12/22/2014 @ 13:46pm


Rest in Peace, Joe Cocker. I agree, Steve Z, he would be a worthy addition to the R&R HoF.

Posted by Joe on Monday, 12/22/2014 @ 22:47pm


His music will live on through his daughter, Lorde.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 12/23/2014 @ 07:20am


Lorde is Joe Cocker's daughter? Biological or adopted? Please elaborate. I can't find anything online that says she's his daughter. Is Jarvis Cocker, Joe Cocker's son?

Posted by Roy on Tuesday, 12/23/2014 @ 08:37am


It's a joke, Roy. Unless Joe Cocker went thru New Zealand on a tour about 19 odd years ago.

She (IMO) has some of his mannerisms, when she sings.

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 12/23/2014 @ 10:58am


Rest in peace, Joe. You will be missed.

Posted by Andrew on Tuesday, 12/23/2014 @ 18:12pm


Joe should be inducted. Period. Demand it. I boycott all RRHOF events until he is !

Posted by Linda on Friday, 05/15/2015 @ 19:32pm


Just wanna get the feel on Joe from the regulars here.... Gassman, PopeCharming, Darren, DarinRG, jtrichey... you guys are surprisingly absent on this thread. Bill G. posted about how the HoF works, but didn't give his opinion either, which would interest me. On a scale of 1-10, how big a snub do you guys rate Joe Cocker? Mainly asking as Charles Crossley, Jr. on Twitter replied to my mid-season report as being as shoo-in to be nominated. I know some of the higher-ups want him in. But I was curious about your opinions, as to whether you think he should be in. I've stated my opinion here.... I would give it the number grade of 3. If he hadn't been at Woodstock, I don't think anyone would be bandying his name about at all. What do you guys say?

Posted by Philip on Thursday, 05/21/2015 @ 23:42pm


Philip - To me, Cocker is a credible mid-tier candidate. Not an outrageous snub, but not a facepalm inductee if that time comes.

Posted by DarinRG on Friday, 05/22/2015 @ 02:13am


It is difficult for me to be objective about Cocker. I grew up with his music, as my father was a huge fan. But I think DarinRG is right in calling him a credible mid-tier. Not the biggest snub, but if he ever gets nominated, I wouldn't mind seeing him getting inducted.

But he is more than the Woodstock performance. There's the incredible Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour from between 1969 to 1972. His spasmodic on stage mannerisms were so wellknown that John Belushi imitated him on SNL. And let's not forget that his rendition of Randy Newman's You Can Leave Your Hat On is the most iconic striptease song.

Posted by The_Claw on Saturday, 05/23/2015 @ 01:54am


Now that he has DIED maybe he will stand a chance to be where he belonged YEARS ago. TRULY a VERY Talented and worthy artist who will be missed

Posted by Donna on Wednesday, 07/8/2015 @ 16:22pm


Joe Cocker had one of the greatest rock and roll voices of all time. Everyone comments on music from 40+ years ago. But he continued to make great albums until he died. His last album - Fire it Up - is one of his best. The fact that he is not in the hall of fame diminishes the whole concept of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How many artists from the 60's are still or have put out great music until now? I still hope he gets in, but it's shame that it didn't happen while he was alive. Up until the end his passion was exhibited in his performances.

Posted by Liz on Saturday, 10/31/2015 @ 19:24pm


Philip, with all due respect, Joe Cocker is a rock legend. He is more than Woodstock. He proved to be one of the highlights of that festival. His legendary "Maddogs & Englishmen tour during 1970 is considered one of the great rock tours of all-time, and one of the greatest live rock albums ever, right up there with the Allman Brothers live at the Fillmore. The album went platinum, and a critically acclaimed rockumentary of that tour was a hit at the theaters. He is considered Rocks greatest interpretive singer. Many acts in the HOF never wrote a single song, so using the excuse he did not write much material, does not fly as an excuse to keep him out. He had a nearly 50 year career, with hits in the 60's, 70's 80's, 90's and yes even in the 2000's. He was still packing arena's and selling platinum albums in Europe only a year before his passing. Billy Joel. recently petitioned for him to be inducted. I personally saw him many times, an unlike many artist's who can't perform at a high level with advanced age, joe was still able to deliver the goods and bring an audience to it's feet. You make it sound as though he was a one hit wonder? I don't know how old your are, but let me refresh your memory! "With aLittle Help From My Friends", "Feeling Alright", "She Came In Through The Bathroom window", "Delta lady", "The Letter", "Cry me A River", "High Time We Went", "Mindight Rider", "You Are So Beautiful", "Up We We Belong", "Unchain My Heart", "You Can Leave Your Hat On", "When The Night Comes", to name a few. He was nominated for Grammy at least 5 times. Mad dogs & Englishmen nominated for rock album of the year. Unchain My Heart, You Can Leave Your Hat On, When The Night Comes, all nominated for rock songs of the year. "Up where we Belong. won a grammy. Won an oscar for best song in a movie. Received an OBE from the British Empire for his outstanding contribution to rock music. Eric Clapton called him the greatest rock singer to ever come out of England. Now that I have explained how impressive his resume is, it's a horrible oversight, that they never gave Joe this honor while he was alive to enjoy the moment with his family, friends and his millions of fans worldwide. Now, having said that, I want someone to tell me that Grandmaster Flash, NWA, The Ramones, Percy Sledge, Iggy and the Stooges, The late Donna Summer, Blondie, Patty Smith, and I could go on, have had more historical impact on Rock n Roll than Joe Cocker? Even after his recent death, Joe Cocker can't even rate a nomination which doesn't say much about the musical intelligence of those responsible for voting deserving singers into the Hall. Shame on that entire establishment for snubbing truly one of rocks iconic voices and performers of the last 45
years.

Posted by Tony on Sunday, 12/20/2015 @ 10:11am


Fair enough, Tony. Woodstock got him in the door, but it didn't keep him in the room. I guess that's a fair evaluation. Still, I'd be hard pressed to put him on a list of Top 100 Snubs.

Posted by Philip on Sunday, 12/20/2015 @ 22:11pm


Hard to phantom him not being in years ago

Posted by happy on Thursday, 03/30/2017 @ 15:48pm


The fathom phantom?

Posted by Mike on Thursday, 03/30/2017 @ 18:19pm


I recently posted a piece on Joe Cocker's HOF prospects for my 'Rock Hall Contenders' series.

Here's the link to it - https://audiovisualrepository.squarespace.com/blog/rockhallcontendersjoecocker

Posted by Nick on Saturday, 07/27/2019 @ 23:34pm


Joe Cocker has been my favorite since I was 12 years old and I am 60 now God bless him and shame on the rrhof you don't know great music when you hear it SHAME.

Posted by ,Sonja on Wednesday, 01/15/2020 @ 16:13pm


East Germany liberation concert, Dresden, Germany concert, his beloved screaming and air guitar moves. Does he need any other unique reasons to be considered an icon in the R and R world? Go figure ! Thanks Joe for all you did.

Posted by Shirley on Monday, 02/17/2020 @ 23:01pm


Please induct Joe Cocker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If you take politics out of the equation, and look at raw talent, brilliant vocals and performance, unique interpretations, on stage charisma, heart and soul, then I feel you would not hesitate to induct Joe. Many respected musicians and multitudes of fans as far back as Woodstock would agree that his inclusion is long overdue. Joe Cocker also wrote and co-wrote several songs including Marjorine, Woman to Woman, High Time we Went, all great songs. However, his uniqueness and exceptional talent lay with his voice, interpretation and performance. Not inducting Joe Cocker into the Hall of Fame is akin to omitting Marlon Brando from an Acting Hall of Fame. Both artists represent the true essence of their craft, music and acting. I do not usually become involved in the politics of anything, but I commit to taking a stand when I strongly believe in something. Please give serious consideration to righting this wrong by inducting this brilliant, soulful artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Posted by Bronwyn Hamden on Sunday, 08/30/2020 @ 02:37am


It's an absolute joke that he is not in the Hall of Fame I thought for sure he already was witnessed the mad dogs and Englishmen tour with Leon Russell the concert can match that

Posted by Kenneth Gilligan’s on Friday, 09/10/2021 @ 11:50am


I have enjoyed joe cocker's music for many years & i think it is sad that he had passed away before getting into the hall of fame. Please think about the great music that he did & induct him into the Hall of Fame................

Posted by Dwight Whitman on Monday, 12/6/2021 @ 13:06pm


I am 65 years old and have grown up listening to some pretty amazing music, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Eagles, Peter Frampton, The Rolling Stones, Motown, and Country Music, etc., etc. As you can see, I have listened to all genres of the Music world! However, there is one artist in particular that I feel has been overlooked and has not received the accolades he so justly deserves! That artist is JOE COCKER! This artist deserves to be recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! If Dolly Parton is being considered for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then Joe Cocker should definitely be considered; after all, he was part of the Rock and Roll scene; not Dolly Parton! Don't they have a Country Music Hall of Fame? Get real people; induct Joe Cocker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame NOW!

Posted by V. Phillips on Thursday, 02/17/2022 @ 12:41pm


Just been overdosing on Joe.
A disgraceful travesty that he's
not been inducted.
He's gone but not forgotten!

Posted by ROBERT on Friday, 04/1/2022 @ 21:05pm


I ask everyone to write hof , we boycott hof without Joe , no Joe in the hof has to be about politics .
I have been in the building pleading my case , please help!
I am ready to start the real rock and roll hof. , THE REAL ! HOF may be are way to go , thank you, thank you , thank you very much , Coach Jerry GLANVILLE

Posted by Jerry Glanville on Monday, 06/27/2022 @ 13:18pm


After seeing rappers and country stars being inducted with artists like Joe Cocker, Ozzy Osbourne and Pat Benatar not I have no respect for the members of the selection committee. The committee should be disbanded and new members put on it. If this doesn't happen the hall should be totally ignored. I am not saying that so many deserving inductees should be dishonored or ignored because of the selection committee. NUFF SAID!

Posted by Joel Hickey on Saturday, 01/7/2023 @ 11:50am


Joe Cocker, like Janis, used to actually cause the hair on my arms to stand up and bring tears to my eyes with the pure, raw power of their voices. I haven't seen anything quite like them since. Truly brilliant blues rock belters in the style of blues greats like Big Mama Thornton (who should also be in the Hall for the influence she had over so many). To me leaving Joe out all these years is just criminal. It's not just Woodstock, though that was heart rendingly beautiful, but a 45 year or longer career that saw awards, platinum records, love and admiration from his fellow artists, and absolute adoration from his fans. I have no issues with rap, country, and other genres getting in because their influence has been immense to rock as well but newer acts should not be getting in before their legendary elders. Without people like Joe they wouldn't even be here.

Posted by Pam LaPier on Saturday, 02/18/2023 @ 15:22pm


Amen, to Joe Cocker being inducted. It's a travesty he wasn't inducted a long time ago before the other johnny-come-lately artists. What are they thinking?!

Posted by Sierra Sweet on Saturday, 02/18/2023 @ 17:10pm


Does Joe need the RRHF or does the hall need Joe? I'm thinking the hall needs Joe Cocker more than he needs them. Induct Joe a real R&R legend before another country singer. I think even Dolly would say it's about time.

Posted by Daniel E Netzley on Saturday, 11/25/2023 @ 09:39am


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Future Rock Legends is your home for Joe Cocker and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including year of eligibility, number of nominations, induction chances, essential songs and albums, and an open discussion of their career.


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