After a short video honored Cocker’s life and career, Tedeschi Trucks Band kicked off the musical set with “The Letter.” Rateliff soon joined them, his distinctive voice perfectly intertwining with the band. As the set moved into “Feelin’ Alright,” Teddy Swims took over vocals. The singer – best known for hits “Lose Control” and “The Door” – admirably handled the tune, which Cocker made famous in 1969.
The closing song of the set, and of the entire Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, was “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the Beatles tune that Cocker memorably reimagined. For this rendition, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Nathaniel Rateliff and Teddy Swims were joined by some of the night’s previous performers, most notably Bryan Adams, Cyndi Lauper and the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson.
