Film producer Lisa Saltzman has secured the rights to an upcoming biography on Joe Cocker, confirming the development of a project about the revered British blues-rock singer’s life.
The forthcoming biography, Joe Cocker: With a LOT of Help from His Friends, penned by rock and roll biographer Mark Bego, delves into the life of the iconic British musician
The film will offer a comprehensive account of Cocker’s ascent in the late 1960s, chronicling his inner conflicts and eventual serenity before his passing in 2014.
Cocker is most notably recognised for his 1968 interpretation of The Beatles’ ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, achieving chart-topping success on the UK Singles Chart upon its release. His rendition solidified its place in the ’60s cultural landscape and went on to become the theme song for the television series The Wonder Years.
Cocker recorded his version of the song in 1968 and enlisted a group of accomplished musicians, including B. J. Wilson from Procol Harum on drums, organist Tommy Eyre, and the emerging session guitarist Jimmy Page.
Saltzman explained the allure of Cocker’s story in a statement: “Joe Cocker’s story is one of ambition, talent, attainment, debilitating self-esteem, self-destruction, redemption, and finally joy, set in the most exciting and colourful era of popular music.”
She continued: “Joe was a unique talent. As a singer Cocker’s gritty bluesy rock voice and distinctive performances rendered him a true original. He lived a bigger-than-life existence, and the film Joe Cocker: With A Little Help From My Friends will show the high points, the low points, the frustrations, crippling battles with his demons, and finally the exhilaration of a life successfully lived.”
Joe Cocker: With a LOT of Help from His Friends is scheduled for release on November 16th and is currently open for pre-orders.
