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Singer Joe Cocker dies at the age of 70

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Joe Cocker, who sang one of the most famous covers of With A Little Help From My Friends has passed away at the age of 70. The English-born singer had been suffering from lung cancer, although Joe's agent, Barrie Marshall revealed that the singer had died due to an undisclosed illness.In a statement Mr 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."

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He continued: "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."

Known for his unique voice and jerky body movements, including regular air guitar, during performance, Joe began singing in the 1960s around his hometown of Sheffield but found fame when his cover of the hit Beatles track went to number one.

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He performed at iconic festivals including Woodstock in 1969 and the Isle of Wight festival, and in the 1980s won an Academy and a Grammy award for his duet with Jennifer Warnes, Up Where We Belong, from the film An Officer and a Gentleman. His cover of the classic Beatles track became the theme tune to The Wonder Years, and in 2008 received an OBE from the Queen for his services to music.