Joe Cocker, the famed singer/songwriter whose hits included “You Are So Beautiful”, the renown Beatles cover, “With A Little Help from my Friends” and “Up Where We Belong,” has passed away after a battle with lung cancer. He was 70 years old.
“Joe Cocker is a legendary artist of rock and blues history and yet he was one of the most humble men I’ve ever met,” said Edgar Berger, who signed Joe Cocker to Sony Music Entertainment. “His iconic voice will forever be etched in our memories and our thoughts go out to Joe’s wife Pam and his family at this difficult time. Joe will live on in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.”
Cocker released forty albums in a career that spanned over five decades. Born May 20, 1944 in Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20’s, Joe’s career took off considerably after he performed “Help” at the famed first Woodstock Festival in August 1969.
One of the most prolific artists of his era, Cocker released 40 albums over his 50 year career. The British-born superstar had his first No. 1 U.K. hit in 1968 with The Beatles’ tune “With a Little Help from My Friends.” He then took his tune to Woodstock in 1969, and it later became the theme song for the beloved family sitcom “The Wonder Years.”
The Grammy award winner was known for a powerhouse raspy voice as well as his mesmerizing, convulsive on-stage delivery. Cocker’s hits also included top songs like “Everybody Hurts” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” In 1983, Cocker performed a duet for the movie, An Officer and A Gentleman, which hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Duet.
Cocker is survived by his wife, Pam, his brother Victor Cocker, his step-daughter Zoey Schroeder and his two grandchildren.
