Grammy Award-winning singer Joe Cocker passed away earlier today after battling with lung cancer.
Beginning his career singing in pubs in Sheffield, he topped the charts in 1968 with his cover of The Beatles ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’.
Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have both spoken out online about Cocker’s passing. On a statement on his website McCartney said: “He was a great guy, a lovely guy who brought so much to the world and we’ll all miss him.” Starr tweeted his respects to Cocker, saying: “Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love. R”
Cocker won a Grammy Award in 1983 for his duet with Jennifer Warnes, ‘Up Where We Belong’, from an Officer And A Gentleman. The hit single also won an Academy Award.
In 2011 Cocker was awarded an OBE for his services to music.
