Joe Cocker, "Many Rivers to Cross" on Letterman, Sept. 15, 1986 (st.)

By request. Joe Cocker's performance of Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross, then a chat with Dave. With Dave's full introduction and all in glorious stereo.

[@GeorgeJones-qu6hg]

A musician who knew who he was and was himself before everyone...an average joe who loved to sing, to bring joy and happiness to the world. We are all richer because of his life and music. We'll not see another like him. So glad I'm a Boomer and grew-up with great musicians like Cocker. RIP Joe...you"ll always be with us in your videos and records.

[@palafox2237]

Amen! Boomers were swimming in great music!

[@maximilianomarinelli6908]

Beautiful words

[@andydavies5883]

Joe Cocker was a shy and humble man with a unique talent . . . RIP

[@lauraflint18]

He was(is) an Angel. ❤

[@nicoheijnneman]

@@lauraflint18

[@nicoheijnneman]

He could - like nobody else - represent all the joy and pain that comes along with true love. His voice was the instrument that cried out the pain and anguish of millions of souls tortured by loves past and present, and he never was anything but genuine, heartfelt emotion. Thank yu Joe, for all the years...

[@rexd.burgess8730]

I brought my son up on Joe's music. I don't know that I gave my son much of a legacy, but I can assure you he knows great music. Was always a pleasure watching him sing to Joe Cocker.

[@dkj4183]

Older boomer here at 71 and he still brings me tears. That deep-hearted soul much deep down low. Thank You. Dean Seattle

[@jreeder6168]

I hear ya. Letterman is a dime a dozen, but will there ever be another Joe Cocker?

[@phyllishannah7305]

Yes Joe Cocker was the ultimate talented singer with the golden voice❤ Rest In Peace dear Sir.❤

[@MB-dg7pd]

Joe Cocker was such a gentleman. Rest easy.

[@mm-qj6cc]

71 now first heard Joe in 1974 on 8 track tape-darling be home soon- was hooked and to this day something in the way he is/sings gets me everytime!

[@larrybruney8028]

One of the most decent, loving and humble guy's that you could ever meet in many life times!! Miss you Mr.Joe Cocker!

[@elred7330]

At 73 I still enjoy Joe's music 🎶 peace be with you wherever you are. . ✌ ☮ always.

[@jaggass]

He lived in America for decades but still retained his Sheffield accent.

[@tinoyb9294]

I used to chat with Joe when he was walking his dogs near the Needle Rock at Crawford, CO. I can't express how gracious a gentleman he was. Thanks for this video.

[@Ferda1964]

what dogs did he have?

[@chillertheater]

Wow! You are so lucky!

[@tinoyb9294]

@@Ferda1964 they were mutts. A black one and a brown one as I recall.

[@gerrym.9354]

@@Ferda1964 Cocker Spaniels I assumed.

[@marybarry2230]

@@gerrym.9354 That was way too easy!!!

[@stormbringer67]

Dave Letterman joking around as he always did and I have no problem with that. The beauty in this video is to see what a nice (almost shy) man Joe Cocker is (was)... RIP Joe.

[@chillertheater]

I do hope Dave explained the joke to him.

[@smoovegittar]

He never lost any of it. Grateful to be a witness.

[@christophor108]

Dear Joe, GOD bless you.

[@margaretwilson1539]

The perfect voice singing this perfect song.... 🎙💛

[@MrAirjamaica]

I have always loved his distinct voice and music. They don't make music like this anymore, sad times.

[@floridaLise]

What a nice - nice guy, Joe Cocker, I miss him.

[@sandymartyn5410]

We all miss Joe Cocker

[@elkereiche2433]

...me too..., love, R.I.P. , dear Joe...

[@aloisemason3044]

Magnificient of Joe Cocker..sensational man and give so many performance's to the world..love to listen to all his music..greatest singer ..RIP Joe..You did your best and gave your all.

[@357HFC]

What a voice, some of the best covers of ALL TIME!

[@philshakesheff7132]

Joe and his music will go on forever, a legend!

[@snezanababan7513]

Amazing voice and beautiful performance songs at time

[@allendalephillips]

I love Joe Cocker, such an amazing singer

[@sheilaroddick5853]

You can hear every word he sings.Superstar.

[@johnfaram4684]

a complete legend here in england

[@aloisemason3972]

Phenomenal genius of singing it straight from the heart..

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Love this version and all Joe's work...what an unique, soulful instrument he possessed.

[@caretakerfoch6103]

I so miss Joe Cocker. He made excellent music, and for a guy who covered many other artists' work - he was one of a kind.

[@georgewatson5195]

I remember the first time I heard Joe Cocker. He totally blew me away. Love this guys voice.

[@fabioferrari6633]

Me too !

[@michaellunburg8567]

Joe could turn a good song into a religious experience. We won’t see your likes again. RIP

[@hawkrider88]

Love the look on Paul's face at 4:45....lovin' that Cocker scream!

[@snowyherge1549]

Such a sweet guy with am amazing voice!!

[@freeamerican2313]

Joe is one class act miss you and Rip joe

[@francoisfredericmouflin6672]

I've always loved Joe Cocker His way of expressing himself defines his personality. A wild beast wishe has certainly suffered but who has found his way and therefore his way of letting off steam through his music and his voice which he deploys with depth, tenderness, passion, harmony and sincerity.

[@sharonwarren4479]

Omg, what a performance. Love , love Joe Cocker…RIP, ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Dave, you’re the best!! Miss you!! #LateNightDavidLettermsn

[@Texasbaubles]

I love you Joe Cocker and I will always remember your performance at Woodstock with those awesome blue and white star boots. Rip Joe.🌻

[@leewinkle3527]

I went to a concert of his at Winstar a couple of years before he passed and he and his band were awesome. One of the Greats.

[@neils4886]

Great song written by Jimmy Cliff, who lived in Nottingham for some years, but (as expressed in the song) was really homesick for his home, Jamaica.

[@cameroncoligan7212]

Yes Babyboomer here what a great singer/human being he was. My my weren't we spoilt for choice in the 60's -70's Rip Joe there would be one hell of a band,in heaven. Always loved Cry me a river an Get a little help from my friends,live.

[@troyallen5806]

Man could sing.

[@howardmanley3388]

There’s no such thing as an ordinary day, Enjoy it to the full…. Life is precious..

[@chlynn13b92]

Joe Cocker had one of the greatest voices ever. Hope somebody sees this that was at Woodstock. His performance, by many accounts, was one of the best. I saw him, a year later, with Leon Russell, during the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. What a concert that was, legendary.

[@andytaylor5476]

My god I'm crying my eyes out! Fucking amazing-instrument-Wow.

[@tubagusabisastradiwirya]

I love this song song by Joe Cocker..so Cool..

[@dizzie337]

Love love love him!! 💕❤️💕❤️💕

[@houssinemourih4573]

Gold voice

[@andrewz4537]

I never would have thought of this song with Cocker but he masters it. What a treat!

[@fionanicolson7642]

I had no idea what a great guy he was.

[@bluethunder6801]

Such an amazing talent. RIP STAR

[@stuartstibbs2069]

Joe singing one of Toni Childs greatest songs. We are so lucky..

[@lwh7301]

Never seen him clean cut. And what a voice.

[@Darryl6636]

That was awesome Don thanks for sharing that with us

[@reginaldcrapo132]

Funny stuff and Joe seems like a nice guy.

[@christopherbako]

Amazing legacy...Lives on

[@mackdaddyg321]

I've been hoping this clip would surface. I can barely remember what day it is, but I remember Letterman making that Cocker joke 30 years ago. Thanks for all your hard work. It's a joy seeing Letterman from back in the day.

[@scottryfun]

mackdaddyg321 that’s exactly why I came looking for it

[@ronself8349]

Back when Letterman was light and funny, not the Jerk he became.....

[@MrAMYJACK]

Who cares about the postman.. It's Joe Cocker.

[@thomaselliott573]

@@ronself8349 he was never anything much except banter. At least he threw in a couple of very brief compliments

[@johnlake6794]

Absolutely Fantastic. Period 👍👍👍👍❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@iVenge]

He were a proper performer.

[@smokeyrainbows]

My favorite. So passionate!

[@tobyjenner2924]

nailed.

[@ufukozbir649]

So unique.. like no other.

[@projectprobe4460]

Beautiful 😊

[@bobgarner44]

Joe and Dave..love it

[@paulpeace6455]

Humble megastar 👍👍👏

[@araceliespinoza2552]

El inolvidable COCKER, nadie como tú 💕💕💕 Fuiste y serás por siempre de los mejores, EXCEPCIONAL.

[@raphaellavelasquez8144]

I've never heard his speaking voice before - makes me think of Ian Duty.

[@poptart8310]

RIP Joe!

[@lesleedaniel7597]

Joe Cocker ❤

[@timothycorrey2154]

🙏🏼 💪 🙏🏼 Great Guy ❤️

[@MrPlooky]

I saw him 3 times in the 80s..

[@gewglesux]

Sheffield twang

[@kanealson5200]

You could tell it wasn't Dave's proudest joke ever but as any good comedian knows, when it's wide open and laying right there in front of you sometimes you just have to plunge right in. *ahem!*...um yeah.

[@davidstanton3868]

Cocker Power!

[@f.p.4117]

❤🎶 JOE 4EVER...R.I.P 🙏❤🎶

[@errol-ih4jy]

HE HAD A WAY OF CRYING AND GROWLING OUT THE LYRICS, THAT MADE YOU LISTEN, BUT HE OWNED THE SONG, SOMETIMES OVER THE ORIGINAL.

[@barbaradixon3113]

Amazing

[@jamesbyersmusic]

This aired on my 5th Birthday!! 🙂

[@energyasylum997]

Woody Harrelson could've played Joe Cocker in a movie, he resembled the late soul legend. rip 🙏 Joe.

[@xxHouseInMotionxx]

Just wow

[@ricoz2016]

THIS was the heir apparent to Johnny Carson, in his prime.

[@greglee2634]

Saw Joe and Hughy Lewis live at Casino Del Sol in Tucson in the summer of 2014. The two put on a full 2-hour show. Joe died shortly thereafter.

[@YeungGor16]

His distinct voice is almost like that of Ray Charles.

[@mariaaparecidapinheiro1671]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thisguy8916]

Reminds me of Satchmo at times. Maybe he was an influence, considering the genre(s).

[@annn.3615]

🧡

[@chazinko]

Band were on too!

[@catmother4214]

I saw him in concert four times. RIP. ❤❤❤

[@Mr.chickensoup]

I like him with the beard.

[@Me-ji2pn]

Aged 42 here looking 60

[@elziewilson9279]

Joe Cocker Good man

[@bartcolen]

By the way, Joe's Sullivan show performance is MORE than well worth watching! Whoa!

[@BenJabituya]

Joe Cocker sounded more American in his singing voice, but sounded more English in his speaking voice.

[@ryanmcbride5764]

💔😞🌹🖤

[@user-oe9fe8dy1h]

Вот это да!!!

[@jamesheath7601]

RIP Joe

[@jsilkcut]

Just another Thursday evening in the US...

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Everyone at one time used to say that his style was closest to that of Ray Charles. But he also reminds me of Louis Armstrong.

[@geoffdundee]

Around 1990 i called the local radio station for a phone in competition and i won.......in the goody bag i received was a 12" single 45rpm vinyl record of JOE COCKER singing this song......i have played it no more than 5 times,its like new.......no turntable these days so thought id look it up on YT to hear what im missing :) :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: side A - what are you doing with a fool like me side B - another mind gone.......many rivers to cross Capitol records inc

[@DecriminalizeMarijuana]

🥇

[@manuelwolff_intlcomedian]

Who was sitting in on piano?

[@dongiller]

Howard Hersh.

[@manuelwolff_intlcomedian]

The painter??

[@dongiller]

The keyboardist.

[@raphaellavelasquez8144]

DURY (damned spell check)

[@nikakavdecko]

Can somebody explain the joke at the beginning?

[@snezanababan7513]

Nobody can

[@thisguy8916]

Are you being facetious? Cocker used as a transitive verb. "To cock her"

[@ctrogers462]

Best version: Nilsson 2nd Best: Cocker 3rd Best: Cliff

[@hankgarfield4692]

Great version of a great song. But... Linda Ronstadt.

[@tats5880]

I think John Lennon took the lead, when he produced Nelson album..

[@ryanwarren4832]

For me personally the slickers version, worth a listen if your interested

[@tats5880]

@@ryanwarren4832 never heard of them. going to check them out now..

[@tats5880]

@@ryanwarren4832 it's got a reggae vibe. With a little doo wop. Mix in, bob marley would be proud. Going to check other music by the slicker. Thanks for the heads up. Merry Christmas 🎅..

[@jontalbot1]

Don’t think this song is well known in the US

[@jreeder6168]

Very tacky intro to this great talent.

[@mihimana2207]

Beautiful.