Joe Cocker OBE (born 20 May 1944) is an English rock blues singer who came to popularity in the 1960s; and is most known for his gritty voice; spastic physical performances; and his cover versions of popular songs; particularly those of The Beatles.Under the stage name Vance Arnold; Cocker began his career with Vance Arnold and the Avengers. In 1963 the band supported The Rolling Stones at Sheffield City Hall. In 1964 Cocker released his first single; a cover of The Beatles' "I'll Cry Instead" with a new band; Joe Cocker Big Blues. This band ventured as far as France; where they played on American air bases.