Rock 'n' roll singer Joe Cocker has passed away. Today (Dec. 22), the Grammy-winning artist and "You Are So Beautiful" singer was pronounced dead after a lengthy battle with lung cancer at the age of 70.
Cocker's management confirmed that he has passed away, ITV News reports. Though the reason for his death has not been made fully public, it is knowledge that he has been battling lung cancer in recent years.
Cocker, born in Sheffield, England, on May 20, 2944, came to prominence in the 1960s and '70s as a blues and rock musician. Best known for his covers, Cocker had four top 10 hits in the United States and one Grammy win.
While perhaps best known nowadays for his cover of the Beatles's "With A Little Help From My Friends," which soundtracked the hit '80s TV show The Wonder Years, Crocker also hit it big with singles "The Letter," "You Are So Beautiful," "It's A Sin (When You Love Somebody) and "Up Where We Belong."
That final song, a duet with Jennifer Warnes, was the signature song for the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman. The track racked up numerous major awards and accolades, winning an Academy Awards (Best Original Song), Golden Globe (Best Original Song), BAFTA (Best Original Song) and a Grammy (Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group).
Those aren't the only honors Cocker holds. He was knighted by the British Empire in 2007 for his contributions to art and music.
Cocker was active in music up until very recently. His final studio album, Fire It Up, was released in Europe in November 2012. A live DVD from the album accompanied Fire It Up in 2013.
Rest in Peace, Joe Cocker.
