British singer and rock star Joe Cocker finally yielded after his long battle with lung cancer. The music icon quietly passed away aged 70 at his home in Colorado.
Joe Cocker was born in Sheffield, England in May 20, 1944. He is best known for his enigmatic and adrenaline pumped performances. He rose to fame in the early Sixties, covering a Beatles' song "With A Little Help From My Friends". After the success of his first single, he produced another hit, a duet with Jennifer Warnes for the song "Up Where We Belong".
Early in his life, Cocker lived a double life, working as a gas fitter during the day and scoring various gigs in local pubs and clubs during the night. Perhaps, Joe Cocker was best remembered for his distinctive raspy, gravelly and almost hoarse singing voice.
As a performer, he is close friends to a lot of great artists'. Among them are rock and roll luminaries' George Harrison and Paul McCartney. He even had the privilege of sharing the stage and performing along with musical legends Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. His stage antics, most notably his whirling hands and physical eccentricity have won him fans as much as his voice did.
His cover of The Beatles song "A Little Help From My Friends" have topped the UK chart in 1968. A year later he was invited to play at the now legendary Woodstock Festival, this musical exposure helped propel his career. His cover song eventually became the theme of the hit TV series "The Wonder Years".
During the 70's, Cockers career went on decline due to his increasing inclination towards alcohol and drugs. However, he overcome these obstacles and re-launched his music career in the 80's. A revitalization that helped him won a Grammy Award and an Oscar award with his duet song with Jennifer Warnes.
Joe Cocker, recorded 23 studio albums as the British Government awarded him the title Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions in music last 2008.
