Joe Cocker was an unlikely rock hero.
A gas fitter from Sheffield, the singer learned his trade through playing the clubs and pubs of the North of England. Developing a unique, husky, powerful style, his first single was a flop but a recording of The Beatles’ ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ – with a little help from Jimmy Page – became a smash hit.
Invited to perform at Woodstock, Joe Cocker’s powerhouse performance turned him into a star, with his sweat-laden blaze-through of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ becoming one of the festival’s stand out moments.
Earning widespread acclaim – Ray Charles was a fan, Paul McCartney became a close friend – Joe Cocker completed the epic ‘Mad Dogs And Englishmen’ tour in 1970.
Pushing himself to the brink, Joe Cocker’s career in the 70s was dogged by drug and alcohol abuse, but the singer found time to score another hit – a version of ‘You Are So Beautiful’ – while also absorbing reggae influences.
Persuaded to record the duet ‘Up Where We Belong’ with Jennifer Barnes in 1982, the track was eventually used in the enormously successful movie ‘An Officer And A Gentleman’ – winning a Grammy award in the process.
Continuing to write, record and tour until the end, Joe Cocker passed away yesterday (December 22nd). News was confirmed by the singer’s agent Barrie Marshall, who said that with "the heaviest hearts we heard that our beloved Joe Cocker passed away last night".
"He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain and remained the same man throughout his life."
Sir Paul McCartney also paid his respects: "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."
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