(NEW YORK) — Joe Cocker, the British singer known for his gritty voice and unique performance style, has died at the age of 70, the wife of Cocker's agent confirms to ABC News. He died of an undisclosed illness.
Most famous as an interpreter of other artists’ songs, Cocker put his own spin on the Beatles "With a Little Help from My Friends," Leon Russell's "Delta Lady," Randy Newman's "You Can Leave Your Hat On," Dave Mason's "Feeling Alright" and many more, including his biggest solo hit, "You Are So Beautiful," originally written and recorded by Billy Preston.
Cocker's performance of "With a Little Help from My Friends" at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 was one of that event's standout moments. Cocker's performance of the song became the theme for the TV series The Wonder Years.
Cocker's spastic onstage performance style was memorably parodied on Saturday Night Live by John Belushi, who performed "Feelin' Alright" side by side with Cocker, imitating his movements.
In the '80s, Cocker teamed with Jennifer Warnes on the #1 duet "Up Where We Belong," from the movie An Officer and a Gentleman, which won a Grammy, as well as a Golden Globe and an Oscar.
Cocker continued to record and tour until just a few years ago. In 2002, he performed at Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee event, and in 2007, he appeared in the film Across the Universe. Also in 2007, Cocker received one of the U.K.'s highest honors, the Order of the British Empire.
In September of this year, Billy Joel told the crowd at Madison Square Garden that Cocker was "not very well right now," and made a plea for him to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor which had eluded him.
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