Joe Cocker dead: Sir Paul McCartney leads tributes – 'he turned my song into a soul anthem'

Joe Cocker was famed for his gritty vocals.

Joe Cocker performing on the Stravinski hall stage during the Montreux Jazz Festival, in Montreux, Switzerland in 2002 (epa04538299 (FILE) A file picture dated 20 July 2002 shows British singer Joe Cocker performing on the Stravinski hall stage during the Montreux Jazz Festival, in Montreux, Switzerland. Media reports on 22 December 2014 state that Cocker died at the age o)

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the legendary blues and soul singer Joe Cocker, who has died of lung cancer aged 70.

Cocker, who was born in Sheffield and enjoyed a career spanning more than 50 years, died today in Colorado where he lived with his wife Pam.

Barrie Marshall, Joe Cocker's agent for over 30 years, confirmed the singer's death "with the heaviest heart".

"He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain - and remained the same throughout his life [sic].

"We had the joy to work with this wonderful man for almost 30 years. We loved him and it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts," he added.

He also reached Number One in the UK in 1968 with The Beatles cover "With a Little Help from My Friends".

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney said he "loved" Cocker and praised the singer for bringing "so much to the world".

"It's really sad to hear about Joe's passing. He was a lovely northern lad who I loved a lot and, like many people, I loved his singing," he said.

Recalling Cocker's cover he said: "I was especially pleased when he decided to cover 'With A Little Help From My Friends' and I remember him and (producer) Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Savile Row and playing me what they'd recorded and it was just mind-blowing, totally turned the song into a soul anthem and I was forever grateful for him for doing that.

"I knew him through the years as a good mate and I was so sad to hear that he had been ill and really sad to hear today that he had passed away. He was a great guy, a lovely guy who brought so much to the world and we'll all miss him.”

Joe Cocker (left) pictured in 1998 as he is honored at Hollywood's Rock Walk. Keith Emerson of Emerson Lake and Palmer stands beside him. (Reuters) (REUTERS/Fred Prouser/Files)

Rick Wakeman, Cocker’s friend and keyboard player for progressive rock band Yes, echoed Sir Paul’s sentiments and called the late singer’s rendition of The Beatles song “sensational”

He told BBC Radio 2: “He had a voice that was just unique. He was a very nice guy, as well as being a very talented guy.

"It is very, very sad for all his family and friends and for all who loved him. The great thing is with someone like Joe is what they leave behind, and that will be with us for years and years."

He added: "People talk about stage presence, and he really had it."

Sheffield born soul rock singer Joe Cocker on stage and mid-song at the Isle of Wight Festival. (Central Press/Getty Images)

Josh Saviano, who played Paul Joseph Pfeiffer in The Wonder Years, the coming-of-age show soundtracked by Cocker's version of "With a Little Help from my Friends", said: "We all lent Joe our ear, and he sang us a mighty song #RIPJoeCocker"

Retired cricketer Michael Vaughan, who grew up in Sheffield, said:"A favourite Sheffield Son has left us today.... #RIP #JoeCocker"

Steven Tyler, the frontman of US band Aerosmith, Batman star Val Kilmer, and fellow rock singer Bryan Adams also tweeted their condolensces.

Classic rock songwriter and musician Peter Frampton said: "So sad to hear of Joe Cocker's passing. 'You are so beautiful' is both Joe and Nicky Hopkins piano at their very best. Gonna play it now RIP"

Singer-songwriter Frank Turner tweeted: "Wow. Sad to hear of Joe Cocker's passing. Incredible singer."

Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe said: "One of the greats, Joe Cocker R.I.P."

And British comedian Ricky Gervais also paid tribute, saying: "RIP the mighty Joe Cocker."