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British singer of blues and rock singer Joe Cocker has died aged 70 of lung cancer.
In a 40-year career, the gravelly-voiced performer created hits such as “You Are So Beautiful,” "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Up Where We Belong."
His agent, Barrie Marshall, confirmed Cocker's death in the US, saying “without the doubt the greatest rock/soul singer ever to come out of Britain.”
He came to prominence in the 1960s and his cover of the Beatles' "A Little Help From My Friends" reached number one in the UK in 1968.
A year later he performed the song at the famous Woodstock Festival, which helped launch his career.
He won his first Grammy in 1983 and an Oscar for his duet with Jennifer Warnes, "Up Where We Belong," from the Richard Gere film An Officer And A Gentleman, and in 2011 he received an OBE for his contribution to music.
He released 40 albums during his lengthy career.
Edgar Berger, chairman and chief executive of Sony Music Entertainment International, says: “Joe Cocker is a legendary artist of rock and blues history and yet he was one of the most humble men I’ve ever met.
“His iconic voice will forever be etched in our memories and our thoughts go out to Joe’s wife Pam and his family at this difficult time. Joe will live on in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.”
Nevil Gibson
Tue, 23 Dec 2014
Tue, 23 Dec 2014
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British blues singer Joe Cocker dies, 70
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