Blues rock legend Joe Cocker dead at 70: agent
Agent confirms that the singer had died of an undisclosed illness
The singer song-writer from Sheffield had a career lasting more than 40 years with hits including You Are So Beautiful and Up Where We Belong.
His agent Barrie Marshall confirmed to BBC that he had died of an undisclosed illness. Other news sites reported he battled with lung cancer.
He said he was "simply unique" and "it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts."
Known for his gritty voice, Cocker began his singing career in the pubs and clubs of Sheffield in the 1960s before hitting the big time.
Tributes poured in as soon as news of his death came out. Former Beatle Ringo Starr immediately sent out a tweet: 'Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love. R'
Cocker was propelled to pop stardom when his version of The Beatles' With A Little Help from My Friends reached number one.
His duet with Jennifer Warnes, Up Where We Belong - from An Officer And A Gentleman - hit number one and went on to win both a Grammy and an Academy Award.
He was honoured with an OBE in 2007.
Last year he broke all his own records in arenas across Europe, with a number one album in Germany and what was to be his final concert in Hammersmith, London, in June.
Marshall said "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."
