Very sad news to report, as iconic rock vocalist Joe Cocker has passed away. Earlier today (Dec. 22), Cocker succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 70.

There were few singers with the presence, soul and personality of Joe Cocker, all of which the talented British vocalist injected into his music. Though his voice was extremely gritty, Cocker was so smooth in his delivery that he could bring audiences to tears through his unique interpretation of sonic beauty -- a quality which Janis Joplin possessed during the same time period and Kurt Cobain thrived with over two decades later.

Though Cocker composed many popular songs, the singer is best known as one of the undisputed kings of covers. Cocker most notably transformed Beatles songs into his own creations, rearranging such iconic tracks as, 'Something,' 'She Came in Through the Bathroom Window' and 'With a Little Help From My Friends,' the last of which is widely considered to be Cocker's magnum opus and perhaps the greatest cover song of all time.

An official statement on the passing of Joe Cocker was issued by 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.

Legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr memorialized Cocker via Twitter just moments ago, "Goodbye and God bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love."

Cocker is survived by his wife Pam, brother Victor, step-daughter Zoey and two grandchildren, Eva and Simon.

We would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Joe Cocker. Join us in mourning the loss of a rock legend by checking out this timeless live performance of 'With a Little Help From My Friends' in the video above.

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