Singer Joe Cocker Dead at 70

Singer Joe Cocker, perhaps best known for his cover of The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends," has died at age 70 after a protracted battle with lung cancer.

Cocker, born in Sheffield, had a career lasting over 40 years. In addition to "With A Little Help From My Friends," which hit number one in 1968, the crooner charted with such iconic songs as "You Are So Beautiful" and "Up Where We Belong," the smash hit from the film An Officer And A Gentleman. The duet with Jennifer Warnes would go on to win a Grammy and an Oscar in 1983.

His agent Barrie Marshall confirmed he had died of an undisclosed illness.

Cocker was "simply unique" and "it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts," said agent Barrie Marshall, who confirmed the singer's passing. "He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain and remained the same man throughout his life."

The singer had kept busy over the last year, touring Europe and scoring a number one album in Germany. He would go on to conclude the tour with his final concert in Hammersmith, London, in June.

"Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him," added Marshall.

Our condolences are with Mr. Cocker's family and friends at this time. He truly had one of the most unique voices in all of music, and it's a sound that will be missed, although it's certain to live on regardless.

Via: BBC News

Credit: Srdjan Zivulovic/Reuters