[todaysdate]
By Liv Larson Andrews
The news is flooding social media today: Joe Cocker has died. Please, oh please, don’t ask me who that is.
I grew up on Fleetwood Mac, Carol King, and the soundtrack to The Big Chill. My parents may seem like your standard midwestern folk with a healthy dose Scandinavian reserve. But if you bring out an old Motown record or get them to a dance floor, stand back while the booty shaking commences.
The voice of Joe Cocker often led my parents to shake it like they’re supposed to. Or, it brought the pace down a little and they embraced in a slow dance. Another image I have in mind is of my dad driving the car around town, slapping the steering wheel to the beat of “Feeling All Right.” The piano intro to that song still makes me itch to dance.
And I’m one of thousands of brides who danced with their fathers to “You Are So Beautiful.” In dark hours when I doubt my self worth, if that song comes to me, I weep with gratitude for how deeply I’ve known my family’s love for me.
So, Joe Cocker, be at rest. And when we are finally all gathered to the wedding party of eternity, we’ll count on you to lead us in the dance.
