Rock Singer Joe Cocker Dies

By Timothy Yap Dec 23, 2014 02:43 AM EST

Joe Cocker has died at age 70. Although Cocker was reportedly battling lung cancer, the singer-songwriter's agent said that he passed away of an undisclosed illness.

This news was confirmed by Cocker's imprint Sony Music on Monday (Dec. 22), with a statement from chairman and CEO Edgar Berger, who signed Cocker to the label. "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," Berger said. "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."

Known for his cover of the Beatles' tune "With a Little Help from My Friends," Cocker became a houshold name when the song was used as the theme song for the TV series "The Wonder Years." Though Joe Cocker has sung his share of cover songs from artists like the Beatles to the Dixie Chicks, he has a way of owning them by making these songs his own.

Chartwise, Cocker's only #1 was the 1982 single "Up Where We Belong," with Jennifer Warnes, from the film An Officer and a Gentleman. The song also won him his only Grammy Award, for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal. He also charted top 40 hits with "You Are So Beautiful" (No. 5), "The Letter" (with Leon Russell and The Shelter People, No. 7), "When the Night Comes" (No. 11) and "Feeling Alright" (No. 33).

'Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends - peace and love,' Beatles drummer Ringo Starr wrote on Twitter.

Kiss rocker Gene Simmons tweeted: 'Sad to hear Joe Cocker has passed away. Our prayers go out to his family.'

Bette Midler said: 'Goodbye to Joe Cocker. There was never anyone like him, and there never will be again. The one of the Sounds of an Era passes.'

House and Blackadder actor Hugh Laurie tweeted: 'Oh god. Joe Cocker. The world now feels like a two-legged table.'

Fellow rock singer Bryan Adams tweeted: 'Joe Cocker has died. RIP my good friend, you were one of the best rock singers ever.'