Singer Joe Cocker has died at the age of 70. According to BBC News , the singer, who was the voice behind songs like “You Are So Beautiful,” “The Letter,” “When the Night Comes,” “Feeling Alright,” and “Up Where We Belong,” died after a long battle with lung cancer.
Cocker’s agent, Barrie Marshall, confirmed the sad news to the press, citing Cocker as “simply unique.”
Marshall continued, “it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts.”
According to the the Yorkshire Post , although Cocker’s agent didn’t reveal the cause of death, the singer reportedly perished from his long battle . It’s said that the gritty vocalist died in his home in Colorado.
Cocker was born in 1944 and lived in Sheffield until his 20s. One of his most notable performances was at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. Throughout his lengthy career, Cocker spanned 19 Billboard hits.
Back in 2007, Joe earned the honor of being inducted into Sheffield’s Hall of Fame. The singer also earned a Grammy back in 1983 for his song “Up Where we Belong,” which was a duet with singer Jennifer Warnes.
As news breaks of Cocker’s death across social media, everyone is reacting to the shocking news.
RIP Joe Cocker. Listen to this and don’t forget. https://t.co/U21Uc9q4P4
— Joel Marsh Garland (@joelmgarland) December 22, 2014
RIP Joe Cocker. Great voice & spirit. #IGetByWithALittleHelpFromMyFriends — Tom Morello (@tmorello) December 22, 2014
My mom always had a copy of Joe Cocker’s greatest hits in the car when I was a kid. I’ve got some fond memories of that guy.
— Justin Ling (@Justin_Ling) December 22, 2014
This is one of my favorite performances of all time by a man my dad introduced me to. RIP Joe Cocker. Enjoy this https://t.co/fYabvxNpeY — Zack Pearlman (@ZackPearlman) December 22, 2014
Ah. What a mighty mighty original voice is gone. Joe Cocker one of the all time soul of Rock and Roller Kings will be missed forever.
— Val Kilmer (@ValEKilmer) December 22, 2014
No one got behind it and belted it out like Joe Cocker! #RIP — marc maron (@marcmaron) December 22, 2014
RIP to the one and only Joe Cocker. An original–and one of the great cover artists.
— Richard Roeper (@richardroeper) December 22, 2014
Wow. Sad to hear of Joe Cocker’s passing. Incredible singer. — Frank Turner (@frankturner) December 22, 2014
Sad news about #JoeCocker passing away. So much soul. https://t.co/OwixsUDnR6
— Dan Kanter (@dankanter) December 22, 2014
In addition to his original songs, Cocker was also known for his Beatles cover of the song “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
[Image via 0037729165 / Shutterstock.com ]