A legend has died

JOE COCKER, English-born singer and song-writer, has died at his home in Colorado in the US.

The 70-year-old blues and rock legend well known for his gritty voice had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

Cocker’s agent Barrie Marshall, who referred to the Grammy winner as “without doubt the greatest rock-soul voice ever to come out of Britain,” confirmed his death today, Monday December 22.

Mr Marshall added in a statement that Cocker was “Hugely talented – a true star – but a kind and humble man who loved to perform.”

Highlights of the star’s decade spanning career include hits such as Up Where We Belong, You Can Leave Your Hat On (featured in the 1986 film 9 ½ weeks) and covers of Beatles’ song With A Little Help From My Friends.

The musician was awarded an OBE for services to music in the Queen’s 2007 Birthday Honours list and is included in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers List.