Joe Cocker Dies At Age 70

Famed British singer Joe Cocker, whose gravelly voice and flailing stage presence launched countless impersonations, has died at the age of 70.

The singer song-writer from Sheffield had a career lasting more than 40 years with hits including You Are So Beautiful and Up Where We Belong. His agent Barrie Marshall confirmed that he had died of an undisclosed illness. He said he was "simply unique" and "it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts." Known for his gritty voice, Cocker began his singing career in the pubs and clubs of Sheffield in the 1960s before hitting the big time. He was propelled to pop stardom when his version of The Beatles' With A Little Help from My Friends reached number one. His duet with Jennifer Warnes, Up Where We Belong - from An Officer And A Gentleman - hit number one and went on to win both a Grammy and an Academy Award.