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Singer-songwriter Joe Cocker passed away today (Dec 22) at his home in Crawford, Colorado after a battle with lung cancer. He was 70 years old.

Cocker’s death was confirmed by agent Barrie Marshall, who said that Cocker had “without doubt the greatest rock-soul voice ever to come out of Britain”.

The singer, who was born in Sheffield, England, recorded around 40 albums in a career spanning 50 years, but will be best remembered by many for his brilliant reworking of the Beatles song “With a Little Help From My Friends”.

Cocker’s cover of “With a Little Help From My Friends” earned him a UK number one in 1968 and was one of the songs that he performed during his acclaimed appearance at Woodstock in 1969. He cemented his reputation as a soul singer of note the following year when he embarked on the Mad Dogs And Englishmen’ Tour across America, which spawned a hit live album and film.

“With a Little Help From My Friends” – Joe Cocker

The singer’s other hits included “Delta Lady,” “The Letter,” “Cry Me a River, “High Time We Went,” “It’s a Sin (When You Love Somebody),” “You Are So Beautiful” and “Up Where We Belong”. The latter, a duet with Jennifer Warnes and the title track for the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman,” earned Cocker a Grammy and an Oscar.

“Up Where We Belong” – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

Joe Cocker received an OBE in 2007 for his services to music.

Many stars have paid tribute Cocker on hearing of his death.

It’s really sad to hear about Joe’s passing. He was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot and, like many people, I loved his singing.

I was especially pleased when he decided to cover “With A Little Help From My Friends” and I remember him and (producer) Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Savile Row and playing me what they’d recorded and it was just mind-blowing, totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful for him for doing that.

I knew him through the years as a good mate and I was so sad to hear that he had been ill and really sad to hear today that he had passed away. He was a great guy, a lovely guy who brought so much to the world and we’ll all miss him. – Paul McCartney

Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends, peace and love. – Ringo Starr

We loved you forever, we will miss you always. RIP Joe Cocker. – Steve Tyler

Joe Cocker has died. RIP my good friend, you were one of the best rock singers ever. – Bryan Adams

More sad news, we just learned that our friend Joe Cocker has passed away, he was 70. RIP Joe. – Eric Clapton

R.I.P. Joe…. A True Legend – Julian Lennon

We lost one of the world’s greatest singers and songwriters of our time. Like many of you, I’ve spent many years day dreaming to his music at home or in the car. His love songs were beautiful! Rest in peace, my love! xoxoxo – Darlene Love

Goodbye to Joe Cocker. There was never anyone like him, and there never will be again. The one of the Sounds of an Era passes. – Bette Midler

Thank you for sharing your soul. RIP. – Lenny Kravitz

So sad to hear of Joe Cocker’s passing. “You are so beautiful” is both Joe and Nicky Hopkins piano at their very best. Gonna play it now RIP. – Peter Frampton

RIP Joe Cocker….one of my favorite voices ever. – Josh Groban

Cocker is survived by his wife, Pam; his stepdaughter, Zoey Schroeder; his two grandchildren; and his brother, Victor.