Joe Cocker Dead at 70

Singer Joe Cocker has died. The singer / songwriter of over 40 years passed away today.

The news was confirmed to the BBC by his agent Barrie Marshall. Marshall stated that Cocker died from an undisclosed illness. A statement by his record label states that he passed away after a long battle with lung disease.

Here is the official statement from Sony Music:

John Robert Cocker, known to family, friends, his community and fans around the world as Joe Cocker, passed away on December 22, 2014 after a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. Mr. Cocker was 70 years old.

Joe Cocker was born 5/20/1944 in Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20’s. In 2007 he was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England.

His international success as a blues/rock singer began in 1964 and continues till this day. Joe created nearly 40 albums and toured extensively around the globe.

Cocker's long time friend, Ringo Starr tweeted this message upon hearing the news:

Joe Cocker recorded 23 studio albums, but will most likely be remembered for his passionated Woodstock performance of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends"

Cocker returned to the original Woodstock site in 2012 to play a concert at Bethel Woods.

This news is currently breaking and we will update with more information when it is available.