Joe Cocker
by JoAnna 
, Colorado, Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 19:42 (4267 days ago)
Guess it's just my generation--but I had never heard of Joe Cocker intil reading about him on this board.
Much to my surprise, The Denver Post had an article about him in today's paper & he was a long time Coloradan.
He lived in Crawford, a town of less than 400. By most accounts he totally immersed himself in the Rocky Mountain lifestyle--
Fly fishing, riding horses on his ranch, walking his dog, hiking. Residents remember him as a quiet outdoorsman & philanthropist who had a knack for growing tomatoes. He was always at peace & very happy. He held benefits at his Ranch that contributed $1 million-plus to his charity " Cocker Kids". Gererous with his time with anybody. About Colorado, he said "I've never felt like I've had the freedom that I've had here!
Sounds like he was a pretty great guy!
Joe Cocker
by ZihuaRob 
, Zihuatanejo, México, Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 21:16 (4267 days ago) @ JoAnna
Guess it's just my generation--but I had never heard of Joe Cocker intil reading about him on this board.
Much to my surprise, The Denver Post had an article about him in today's paper & he was a long time Coloradan.
He lived in Crawford, a town of less than 400. By most accounts he totally immersed himself in the Rocky Mountain lifestyle--
Fly fishing, riding horses on his ranch, walking his dog, hiking. Residents remember him as a quiet outdoorsman & philanthropist who had a knack for growing tomatoes. He was always at peace & very happy. He held benefits at his Ranch that contributed $1 million-plus to his charity " Cocker Kids". Gererous with his time with anybody. About Colorado, he said "I've never felt like I've had the freedom that I've had here!
Sounds like he was a pretty great guy!
He sure was!
He inspired a lot of folks in my generation with his energetic and soulful performances back in the second half of the 1960's. One of his most powerful and electrifying performances was at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. Here it is if you'd like to see it. I've seen it hundreds of times and it still gives me goose-bumps. A piece of me died with him.
Joe Cocker
by JoAnna , Colorado, Tuesday, December 23, 2014, 22:07 (4267 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
I hope only a little piece!
Thanks, I enjoyed that!
Joe Cocker
by Steve , Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 09:03 (4266 days ago) @ JoAnna
Saw him at the Fillmore in Denver a few years ago expecting the same guy from Woodstock. He put on a great soulful show although not the same frenetic performer from long ago. Of course not, (what was I thinking!) dressed in black Johnny Cash style and far more in a traditional entertainer mode. I think he showed us how to age graciously.
There was a Fillmore in Denver?? I used to work at the Fillmore in San Francisco. There was one in New York and one in Los Angeles, which was closed fairly soon after opening because the cops didn't like it. The one in Denver must have opened after I quit.
Joe Cocker
by Steve , Wednesday, December 24, 2014, 15:28 (4266 days ago) @ frostbite
Yes there was on E. Colfax/Pearl in late 60s in an old skating arena. Can't remember its several names over the years, but named Fillmore since maybe late 80s. I worked as a bouncer there since 2000 for about 6 years after retiring from my day job. The Cocker show was one I worked. Last time he played there was maybe a year or so ago long after I left. He lived a very quiet and philanthropic life in Crawford CO in the mountains since early 90s I believe. He was respected for his good works and love of the land. RIP, Joe.
Who was the promoter who ran the Fillmore in Denver? Bill Graham started all the other ones. He died in a helicopter crash on his way home from a concert in Berkeley in 1991.
