Photo: Wenn
Musicians ranging from the Beatles to Bettle Middler have paid tribute to Joe Cocker, who died last night aged 70.
One of the most instantly recognisable voices in modern blues, rock and soul, Cocker is still perhaps best known for his cover of the Beatles 'With A Little Help from My Friends'. Paul McCartney said in a statement: "It’s really sad to hear about Joe’s passing. He was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot and like many people I loved his singing.
"I was especially pleased when he decided to cover ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ and I remember him and Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Savile Row and playing me what they’d recorded and it was just mind blowing, totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful for him for doing that.
"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."
Ringo Starr echoed his comment saying on Twitter "Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love."
Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love. R😎✌️🌟💖
— Ringo Starr (@ringostarrmusic) December 22, 2014
Other musicians who have paid tribute on Twitter included Slash, Bryan Adams, Frank Turner, Peter Frampton and Steven Tyler.
RIP Joe Cocker pic.twitter.com/qPWH8nhBtm
— Slash (@Slash) December 22, 2014
Joe Cocker has died. RIP my good friend, you were one of the best rock singers EVER. #respect #verysad #hugeinfluence #whenthenightcomes
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) December 22, 2014
Wow. Sad to hear of Joe Cocker's passing. Incredible singer.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) December 22, 2014
I loved Joe Cocker; I saw him live many times and was always astonished at his range and sioul. He was a heartbreaker in so many ways. RIP.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) December 22, 2014
So sad to hear of Joe Cocker's passing. "You are so beautiful" is both Joe and Nicky Hopkins piano at their very best. Gonna play it now RIP
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) December 22, 2014
WE LOVED YOU FOREVER, WE WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS...RIP JOE COCKER.
— Steven Tyler (@IamStevenT) December 22, 2014
A number of admirers of Cocker's work also took to Instagram to pay tribute including Lenny Kravitz and Karen Elson.
Barrie Marshall, Cocker's agent, said in a statement last night: "It is with heaviest of hearts we heard that our beloved Joe Cocker passed away last night. He was without doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain – and remained the same man throughout his life.
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.
Last year he broke all his own records in Arenas across Europe with a number one album in Germany and a final concert in Hammersmith in June.
"Chris Evans had championed his record and he was able to touch the UK again with a great concert. If it was to be his last tour, he left at the very pinnacle of his talent.
"He rocked Woodstock twice – the first time probably one of the most well-remembered performances of the day. His iconic performances of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' continued to thrill audiences across the decades – he was simply unique. "We had the joy to work with this wonderful man for almost 30 years. We loved him and it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts."
Folk singer Ario Guthrie told Billboard about his memories of recording the 10th Anniversary Woodstock Reunion Tour in 1979. "Joe was the featured artist, and he deserved to be. He brought down the house every night. I believe it was because he was willing to be so vulnerable and real... there were no games. He just sang his heart out. And we all loved him for it. What a loss."
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