Rock Icon Joe Cocker dies at 70 years old

British rock legend Joe Cocker passed away earlier today from lung cancer, as reported by Sony Music just hours ago. He leaves behind wife Pam, a step-daughter and two grand children. Cocker was best known for his gritty sounding voice and the soulfulness with which he delivered every song. He earned the nickname “King of Covers” from covering songs such as ‘Something’ and ‘She Came in Through the Bathroom Window’; the cover he is most noted for is ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’.

The official statement 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.
Joe Cocker was born 5/20/1944 in Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20’s. In 2007 he was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England.
His international success as a blues/rock singer began in 1964 and continues till this day. Joe created nearly 40 albums and toured extensively around the globe.”

Tributes and well wished for the family are starting to pour out via social media platforms. Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr tweeted “Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends; peace and love.”

Source: The Examiner