ROCK AND ROLL NEWS

Joe Cocker is presently recording his fourth album in Muscle Shoals, with Denny Cordell again handling production. No details are available on musicians or material. The Mad Dogs & Englishmen flick is complete and A&M wants to get it out before the first of the year, so it can be considered for Oscar competition. Cocker’s old band, the Grease Band, has also signed with A&M — Chris Stainton will produce.

Rita Coolidge is ready with her new album and is getting a “super” group together to take on the road.

Don Everly is releasing a solo album .. . doesn’t mean the Everlys have split, he’s just done a solo album, like a thousand million other people.

Lee Micheals is back to organ, with a new drummer, Joel Larson, replacing ex-Michealette Frosty.

Phil Ochs, presently in Europe with the vaudeville duo of Jerry Rubin and Bernadette Devlin, is ready for his next album.