Joe Cocker Dies Aged 70 – You Can Leave Your Hat On, Maestro

Dec 23, 2014

One of the greatest rock and soul legends who ever lived, Joe Cocker, has passed away yesterday at the age of 70.

The English-born star had apparently been suffering from lung cancer, though some reports published by his agent, Barrie Marshall, claim Joe had died due to an undisclosed illness.

A True Star

In an official statement Barrie Marshall emphasized how big an impact Joe had on the music business and how kind and humble he remained over the years, despite the fame he enjoyed.

“He was without the 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,” Marshall stated.

Career

The king of jerky body movements and playing air-guitar on stage, Joe will be remembered for his unique voice and extremely catchy rock’n’soul hits such as Unchain My Heart, With A Little Help From My Friends, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Summer In The City and many more.

Joe began his singing career back in the 1960s in his hometown of Sheffield, but the fame truly found him when his cover of the hit Beatles track went to number one.

He performed at the iconic Woodstock in 1969 and the Isle of Wight festival, while during the 1980s Joe won an Academy and a Grammy award for his duet with Jennifer Warnes “Up Where We Belong” from the legendary “An Officer and a Gentleman.”In 2008 he received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) from the Queen for his musical achievements.

Rest in peace, maestro. You will definitely be remembered, with a little help from your friends…