Joe Cocker has passed away just before Christmas.

He wasn’t Elvis or Michael Jackson or John Lennon.

He wasn’t a superstar.  But he was a star, nonetheless.

In my life, he was a transcendent musical force.

His voice and his music have been a part of my personal soundtrack since I begged my older sister Beth to take me to see his “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” documentary in 1971.

I was 10 and my sister was 16.  She was going on a date to see the movie. Of course, she didn’t want to take her little brother on the date.  Who would?

But I lobbied, begged, and cajoled Beth to take me on her date with Charlie Johnson ( 44 years later, I still remember his name ).

And because she’s never refused anything of her little brother, she took me along to see the movie at the Central Park Fox Theatre in San Antonio.  I’m sure her date was thrilled to have me tagging along.

Sitting in the dark theatre, I was mesmerized by the film.  Joe Cocker’s passionate, borderline spastic performance blew my 10-year-old mind.

I was hooked. 

I got my hands on the “Mad Dogs & Englishmen” LP and listened to it again and again.

Joe Cocker’s heart, his soul, his beautifully unorthodox voice told me…

That if you sing from your heart, your message will resonate with those who should hear it.

We all have a song to sing. 

Whether you’re actually singing or metaphorically singing.

If your voice is authentic, people will connect with it.

That’s my takeaway from Joe Cocker…

Sing your song, sing from your heart and the right people will get you.

Rest in Peace, Joe Cocker.

You made magic on Earth, Space Captain.

Thank you.