Beloved blues singer Joe Cocker got a little help from his friend Paul McCartney in the form of a letter expressing support for the late musician’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“Joe was a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances,” the Beatles bassist wrote. “He sang one of our songs ‘With a Little Help from My Friends,’ a version produced by Denny Cordell which was very imaginative. And whilst he may not have ever lobbied to be in the Hall of Fame, I know he would be extremely happy and grateful to find himself where he deserves to be amongst such illustrious company.”
Cocker, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 70 from lung cancer, made a major impact on the music world with his gritty, soulful voice and dynamic stage presence. Known for his covers like “Feelin’ Alright”, “Unchain My Heart”, and “With a Little Help From My Friends”, which appeared on his first album and reached number one in his native U.K. in 1968, he toured the world for more than 50 years as a solo artist and with his star-studded band, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, led by Leon Russel. His breathtaking set at Woodstock remains one of the most iconic performances in rock history.
Joe Cocker – “With A Little Help From My Friends” (The Beatles) – Woodstock 1969
(Video: Paulo procultura]
McCartney, who was himself inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 1999, similarly endorsed Foreigner in 2024, and the band was inducted alongside Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Joe Cocker is one of more than a dozen artists nominated for induction this year, with other nominees including Phish, OutKast, The Black Crowes, The White Stripes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Oasis, Bad Company, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, and Soundgarden.