I had the pleasure of being Joe Cocker‘s opening act many times. He wore the Alan Kaye T-shirt that I gave him in several Photos shoots, including one for Billboard Magazine. I had opened for him as a Standup Comedian/Impressionist, at The Dallas Agora Ballroom. When the show was all over, My wife at the time and I were in Joe’s dressing room saying goodbye and his merchandise man had given me and my wife some Cocker T-shirts as souvenirs. At the time Joe was wearing mostly T-Shirts and jeans on and off stage. Upon receiving our shirts, Mari said, “Why not give Joe one of your shirts?” I said, “Come on, he is The Star, a Headliner, why would he want an opening acts shirt?” She said, “It would be a nice gesture. Give me the keys to the car”, and with that she disappeared. In minutes she was back and handed me the “Alan Kaye I’m Impressed Tour” shirts. I said to Joe, “It would be an honor to give you my shirt, after all I have yours now.” “Thanks mate”, he said, with a grin. At the time I thought, he is just being kind. I never dreamed he would actually wear it. Several weeks went by and I was out on the road opening for Spyro Gyra. When I returned home to Dallas, I went to the Agora to check with the manager, Eddie Gattus, to see if I could get booked for some upcoming shows. When Eddie walked into his office and saw me he said, “Welcome back, I suppose you have bought up every Billboard in town, Huh?” I said, “What good would it do for an Impressionist to advertise on Billboards?” He laughed and asked “Are you serious?, You mean you haven’t seen the latest edition of Billboard Magazine?” What do you mean Eddie?, I asked. He reached over picked up the magazine and on page 4, of BILLBOARD MAGAZINE, was a picture of Joe Cocker in Nashville Tennessee , during recording sessions with The Crusaders,…and he was wearing one of my T-shirts. One of my Hero’s wearing my logo? How wonderful that was. I left the Agora and went to purchase copies of that magazine. Months later I was waiting in a radio station news room where I was going to be interviewed about an upcoming show. On a table next to me were a couple of piles of new hard bound books. One of the books was titled Nashville Music City U.S.A. I picked it up and said to the interviewer, “What is this book doing in a Rock and Roll Station?” The guy said, “I interview authors from time to time and they send me copies of their books in advance for me to preview”. That book has articles and pictures of artists that have recorded in Nashville and many are not country artists. I thumbed through the book and on a page in the book was a photo taken of Joe, with the crusaders and again he was wearing one of MY shirts! I almost did a back-flip! Joe’s laugh was a joy. His attitude was always that of a Gentleman. I have always given 110% to my “As Joe Cocker” Tribute. I will now have to put 210%, My Heart, My Soul, and All of the talent that is in me, into carrying on this amazing stars portrayal. I’ve had a good cry. I’ve smiled at the pictures. I have reveled in the memories. R.I.P. my Hero, He will not be forgotten. I will carry the torch for as long as they will book me.
Thanks for checking my blog,
Alan Kaye
cockertribute.com