Joe Cocker dies aged 70

Joe Cocker has died aged 70.

The singer’s death was confirmed by his agent, Barrie Marshall, reports BBC News.

He said Cocker was “simply unique” and “it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts.”

The singer song-writer was born in Sheffield. He is perhaps best known for his cover of The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends“, though in a career spanning more than 40 years, his other hits included “You Are So Beautiful” and “Up Where We Belong”.

In 1969, Cocker appeared at Woodstock, opening the proceedings on Sunday; in 1970, he famously embarked on an American tour with 30 musicians, including band leader Leon Russell. Dubbed the Mad Dogs And Englishmen, the band featured Jim Keltner, backing vocalists Rita Coolidge and Claudia Lennear, along with Carl Radle, Jim Price, Bobby Keys and Jim Gordon.

His 1982 duet with Jennifer Warnes, “Up Where We Belong“, won both a Grammy and an Academy Award.

Cocker received an OBE in 2007.

He released Fire It Up, his twenty-second studio album, in 2012.

ITV News reports Cocker was suffering from lung cancer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wS05LUzkzQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNJj6MsGfI