"Joe Cocker: With a little help from my friends" (Paris)

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Who was Joe Cocker? The life and career of the legendary singer after he dies aged 70.

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Dec 22, Protected content
By Rebecca Pocklington

The star - real name John Robert Cocker - died today, 22 December Protected content , after battling lung cancer, and here we have paid tribute to the star with a look back at his life and successful career in the limelight.

The Sixties pop hero 's agent described the star as "simply unique" and told the BBC "it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts."

Sony Music released a statement, confirming the singer's death, saying: "John Robert Cocker, known to family, friends, his community and fans around the world as Joe Cocker, passed away on December 22, Protected content a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. Mr. Cocker was 70 years old.

"Joe Cocker was born 5/20/ Protected content Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20s. In Protected content was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England.

"His international success as a blues/rock singer began in Protected content continues till this day. Joe created nearly 40 albums and toured extensively around the globe."
Here we take a look back at his glittering life and career.

Gritty-voiced Joe lived in Sheffield until his early 20s and was one of the British pop heroes of the Sixties before moving to America.

He rose to fame in Protected content recorded 40 albums while touring extensively across the globe well into his late 60s.

He really shot to fame with his cover of The Beatles' With A Little Help from My Friends - which hit number one in the charts.

The star performed it at Woodstock live in Protected content his version later became the theme song for TV series The Wonder Years.

He also won a Grammy in Protected content his track Up Where We Belong, a duet with Jennifer Warnes.

In Protected content singer received an OBE for his contribution to music.

He was also known for his songs including You are So Beautiful and With a Little Help from my Friends.

Cocker was married to Pam Baker, who he met in Protected content the star moved on to a ranch. They married in Protected content .

He also leaves behind his brother Victor, step-daughter Zoey Schroeder and two grandchildren, Eva & Simon Schroeder.