Legendary British Soul Singer Joe Cocker Dies, Aged 70

By Nastassia Baroni

British singer and songwriter Joe Cocker, known for his raspy, bluesy voice has died in his Colorado home, following a battle with lung cancer. He was 70 years old.

“John Robert Cocker, known to family, friends, his community and fans around the world as Joe Cocker, passed away on December 22nd, 2014 after a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer,” Sony Music wrote in a statement, via Rolling Stone.

“Joe Cocker was born 5/20/1944 in Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20s. In 2007 he was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England. His international success as a blues/rock singer began in 1964 and continues till this day. Joe created nearly 40 albums and toured extensively around the globe.”

Cocker’s agent Barrie Marshall confirmed the death to the BBC. “He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain and remained the same man throughout his life,” said Marshall.

He described Cocker as a “true star” who was also “a kind and humble man who loved to perform,” adding, “Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him.”

Cocker’s first big hit came in 1968 when he covered The Beatles’ classic With a Little Help From My Friends, a song he famously performed at Woodstock a year later on August 17th, 1969, regarded as one of the most iconic sets from the legendary festival.

“Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends, peace and love,” Ringo Starr tweeted. His other notable hit songs include, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, and his duet with Jennifer Warnes Up Where We Belong, which won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

Cocker last toured Australia in 2011 and recorded his last studio album Fire It Up in 2012. He is survived by his wife Pam. Tributes from musicians such as Steven Tyler, Tom Morello and Motörhead, have already begun flooding in online. See a handful below.

Watch: With A Little Help Of My Friends – Joe Cocker

Nastassia Baroni
Nastassia Baroni

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