English rock and blues singer, Joe Cocker who rose to popularity in the 1960s has died aged 70. Cocker was best known for his cover of The Beatles' 'With A Little Help From My Friends' which reached number one in the UK in 1968.

After a decade long career in music, the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician died of lung cancer. His agent, Barrie Marshall said about the singer that he was "simply unique". Sir Paul McCartney said Cocker was a lovely guy who "brought so much to the world".

Cocker, who was also named one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone in 1998, was nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Male in 1993, in 2007 he was awarded a bronze Sheffield Legends plague in his hometown and in 2008, Cocker received an OBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music. Cocker was also ranked No. 97 on Rolling Stone's list of 100 greatest singers.

Cocker's friend, Rick Wakeman, keyboard player for the rock band, Yes, called his interpretation of 'With a Little Help From My Friends' "sensational" and added, "He had a voice that was just unique." Wakeman told BBC Radio 2: "The great thing is with someone like Joe is what they leave behind, and that will be with us for years and years."

Fellow musicians, celebrities and media personalities are taking to social media to pay tribute with "RIP Joe" a trending topic on Twitter.

Steven Tyler wrote, "WE LOVED YOU FOREVER, WE WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS...RIP JOE COCKER."

Evan Rachel Wood wrote, "Song of the day 'With a little help from my friends' #joecocker."

While Scott Foley tweeted, "So many memories tied to the music of Joe Cocker. Thank you. Rest in peace."

Bette Midler noted, "Goodbye to Joe Cocker. There was never anyone like him, and there never will be again. The one of the Sounds of an Era passes."

A former gas fitter, Cocker, known for his gritty voice began his singing career in the pubs and clubs of Sheffield in the 1960s before becoming successful. Cocker rose to fame and pop stardom when his version of 'With A Little Help From My Friends' reached No. 1 in 1968. Cocker was also well-known for his Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour of 1970, which visited 48 cities across the US.

Cocker who lived in Colorado, in the US, recorded 23 studio albums and 40 albums. Just last year, his arena tour across Europe saw him achieve a number one album in Germany and give what turned out to be his final concert in Hammersmith, London in June.

Mr. Marshall stated that it was with "the heaviest hearts we heard that our beloved Joe Cocker passed away last night. He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain and remained the same man throughout his life."

Mr. Marshall described Cocker as a "true star" who also was "a kind and humble man who loved to perform.

"Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him," he added.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cocker's family and friends.