The Letter - Joe Cocker (1970) 5/2/21

Today's "Great Song of the '70s" was already a "Great Song of the '60s!"

The Box Tops sent "The Letter" to #1 in 1967, but in the decades to come, it became so much more:

#372 on Rolling Stone's list of the "Top 500 Songs of All Time."

Inclusion on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll."

A 2011 inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Those are some stellar credentials--and intimidating, too... especially if you're an artist who wants to record a cover version of the song.

You better bring your "A" game if you're looking to "deliver" a hit.

In 1969, A group called "The Arbors (From Ann Arbor, Michigan) gave it the old college try (The U of M is in Ann Arbor), and came up with a version full of tight harmonies and technical tricks that made it to #20. Not bad.

But then in 1970, Joe Cocker REALLY pulled out the stops. In addition to unleashing his signature scratchy vocals, he surrounded himself with a kick-ass band and recorded it live at the famous Fillmore East in NYC. The energy in Joe's version was amazing...and it became a hit all over again: #7 in both the US and Canada!

"The Letter:" A "Great Song" by Joe Cocker in 1970, following The Arbors in 1969...and The Box Tops in 1967!

Joe Cocker:

The Box Tops:

The Arbors: