Was Joe Cocker, the gravel-voiced rock 'n' roll wild man, an over or underrated singer?

Joe Cocker's was praised for being the greatest rock/soul voice of Britain but also criticized for reaching fame thanks to cover versions of popular songs

Joe Cocker

The British rock 'n' roll wild man, Joe Cocker, passed away on 22 December 2014. This rock legend will be remembered for his gritty voice, live performances and successful cover versions of popular songs. Cocker began his career while working as a gas fitter by day and playing in rock 'n' roll bands in Sheffield by night. Using the stage name Vance Arnold, he opened for bands like The Rolling Stones and The Hollies when they came to town.Cocker's first single was a cover of The Beatles' "I'll Cry Instead", but it got him nowhere, he lost his record contract and went back to fitting gas heaters. But he kept playing live and earned another deal, this time singing McCartney and Lennon's "With A Little Help From My Friends" he became a star in the UK. After that he started a fulgurous international career as a musician that lead him to have hits with "Delta Lady", written by Leon Russell; the Box Tops' hit single "The Letter"; Julie London's torch song "Cry Me A River"; Billy Preston and Dennis Wilson's "You Are So Beautiful"; and Jimmy Webb's "It's A Sin When You Love Somebody". Thus, Cocker found great success by putting his soul into other people's songs.  

Do you think that reaching fame through cover versions makes of Joe Cocker a less genuine singer? Do you think his fame is well deserved or that he was lucky to choose very popular songs to interpret?

Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. Your vote is anonymous.
If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option.