Category: Joe Cocker

The Wonder Years of Joe Cocker

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date April 22, 2016

BY: GURU JAY

Growing up The Wonder Years was my favorite TV show. Boy, it had one hell of a theme song, didn’t it? Joe Cocker’s version of With a Little Help From My Friendshelped fuel my addiction to the show. What’s more, that’s how I learned about Joe Cocker.

I had to know who possessed that powerful voice in the beginning. The more I familiarized myself with the legend, the more I started feeling legendary. Joe Cocker= Legend.

He sings You Are So Beautiful, Come Together, and Up Where We Belong in heaven. He didn’t make pop songs; his music was spiritual. What would Woodstock be without Cocker? Joe was a rare find because he was a classic singer.

Most entertainers are made in a bakery. They’re cookie cutter. What you see is what you get. Joe Cocker sang from the bottom of his belly.

The Wonder Years of Joe Cocker

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

It all started when John Robert Cocker, OBE took Vance Arnold as his penname in 1961. Later he formed a band adding “and the Avengers” to his gig. Then there was the Grease Band and the rest is history…

Like the Beatles, Joe Cocker created seismic waves. Throughout Joe Cocker’s career, he received well-deserved recognition. In 2008, Rolling Stone named him 1 of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Billboard gave him 2 other accolades- #84 Artist 100 and #14 Social 50 in 2015.

I’m New School by date of birth, but I’m actually Old School by tradition. Bob Seger couldn’t have said it any better than this: “Today’s music ain’t got the same soul, I like that old time rock ‘n’ roll.” Moreover, Joe Cocker rocked to the limit. He lived his life up and that’s what counts. Don’t die bitter by living inhibited; die happy by living uninhibited.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

Blurred Lines gold diggers Guru Jay Joe Cocker Justin Timberlake Magic Music original platinum pop Robin Thicke Sex Therapy Songs studio booth style superior the Evolution Treasure Island Usher

Why Robin Thicke Is Superior

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date March 7, 2015

BY: GURU JAY

I remember the first time hearing Robin Thicke sing Lost Without You on the airwaves while driving to work. YouTube had just been invented and I was surprised when I watched the video, because I honestly thought Robin was African American. The next week I researched Robin Thicke like an employer investigating and screening potential workers.

Hence, the second Robin Thicke music video I watched was When I Get You Alone, a blatant sample of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. In the video, Robin’s long hair looked like Jesus’s hairdo. Thicke clearly passed the background check after much deliberation with family, friends, and coworkers.

The next time I shopped at Target, I purchased the Evolution of Robin Thicke CD. Till this day, I still periodically listen to the album. What is more, through the years Robin Thicke has stayed relevant by perfecting onstage performances and always crowd-pleasing.

By the way, the Evolution was certified platinum. Thicke should have received 5 Grammys but the Academy rather give Beck praises. Kanye West was right; giving Beck the Grammy for Best Album was an atrocity.

How can I best describe Robin’s unique sound? Robin Thicke sounds similar to Justin Timberlake, Usher, and the late great Joe Cocker. Still, Thicke has an original style separating him from his peers like the aforementioned musicians.

Robin Thicke doesn’t get his feathers ruffled because Thicke identifies with ordinary people. When Robin enters the studio booth, music is the only thing on his mind. That’s why I say, find something you’re passionate about, ride your love to the wheels fall off, and the money will eventually come provided you adequately prepared yourself.

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

What are your favorite Robin Thicke songs? I like Blurred Lines, Sex Therapy, and Magic the most. Digging up the musician’s catalog is like reading Treasure Island. Robin Thicke is superior because his smooth style captivates millions of gold-diggers.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

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Kanye West and 60s/ 70s Music

Post author By iamgurujay
Post date February 15, 2015

BY: GURU JAY

I was born in the eighties but I still listen to music from the 60s and 70s. With Woodstock, the world’s nuclear proliferation of music climaxed at the height of the Vietnam War. During this time musicians revolutionized radio, while President Nixon secretly recorded Oval Office conversations.

Born in 1977, Kanye West listened to the Motown sound. Also, Chicago native Curtis Mayfield heavily influenced Kanye’s earlier work. From the beginning, West spoke his mind. And his big mouth got him into trouble after saying George Bush doesn’t care about black people.

The Champion rapper soon realized the power of free speech. Big Brother Jay Z treated Kanye as a son. That’s why West walks around calling himself Yeezus.

Apparently, the whole world’s fascinated with inflation. West’s claim to fame is his big ego. And Kim Kardashian built a big butt enterprise. Keeping up?

Hip-Hop fans know Kanye West samples 60s and 70s songs. I gotta find my Jackson 5 album. Who remembers the Beatles first tour to the states?

It seems everyone was doing drugs. That’s why your parents lose their trains of thoughts and car keys.

Every music artist should pay homage to Bob Dylan, Brue Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones. Before this technological explosion, musicians like James Brown worked hard for the money. Have you seen the Get On Up movie?

The music industry has changed for the better. Although we can’t bring John Lennon back to life, we can choose to acknowledge music pioneers. Greats like Joe Cocker rejuvenated countless souls. Appreciate dynamic artistry while you can.

Back then, albums held true value. Remember Stevie Wonder’s Inner Visions and Marvin Gaye’s Inner City Blues. There is a high chance your favorite rap song contains musical content from this period.

Whether you like Kanye West or not, he has an excellent ear for music. West respects the legends from the 60s and 70s. Give him a break.

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!