Singer Joe Cocker has died, aged 70.
The With A Little Help From My Friends hitmaker passed away on Monday (22Dec14) after losing his battle with lung cancer.
His agent Barrie Marshall has confirmed the sad news, calling his late client "simply unique".
Joe Cocker Dead At 70Known for his gritty voice, Cocker became an international force in music after becoming one of the highlight performers at the Woodstock music festival in 1969.
His hits also included You Are So Beautiful, Unchain My Heart and Up Where We Belong, which he recorded as a duet with Jennifer Warnes for the film An Officer And A Gentleman. The song earned him both a Grammy and an Academy Award.
He was honored with an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal in 2007.
Born in Sheffield, England, Cocker began his singing career performing in local pubs and clubs in the early 1960s and scored a number one hit in the U.K. with his passionate version of The Beatles' With A Little Help from My Friends.
Paying tribute to the late rock star, his agent Marshall tells the BBC, "He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain... Hugely talented, a true star, but a kind and humble man who loved to perform. Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him."
A statement from a spokesman at his record label Sony reads: "John Robert Cocker, known to family, friends, his community and fans around the world as Joe Cocker, passed away on December 22, 2014 after a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. Mr. Cocker was 70 years old."
Cocker released over 40 albums and toured extensively around the world. His final gig was in London in June (14).
He is survived by his wife, Pam, his brother, Victor, stepdaughter Zoey Schroeder, and two grandchildren.
Ex Beatle Ringo Starr has led tributes to British singer best known for his passionate rendition of the Beatles' With A Little Help From My Friends, which scored him a number one hit in the 1960s.
Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love - Ringo Starr
And, after learning of his death, drummer Starr took to Twitter.com and wrote, "Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love."
Another celebrity pal, Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, quickly added, "Joe Cocker has died. RIP my good friend, you were one of the best rock singers EVER. respect."
Acclaimed British singer Frank Turner also praised Cocker, tweeting, "Wow. Sad to hear of Joe Cocker's passing. Incredible singer."
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