Joe Cocker! LP art

Paul McCartney is rallying on behalf of the late Joe Cocker. On Monday, March 3, the bassist’s publicist, Bob Merlis, shared a scanned letter [dated Feb. 25] expressing McCartney’s support of the “Feelin’ Alright” singer’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Currently, Cocker is a 2025 induction nominee. 

Making a case for his friend, McCartney penned: “Joe was a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances.” Referencing their musical crossover, McCartney continued, “He sang one of our songs ‘With a Little Help from My Friends,’ a version produced by Denny Cordell which was very imaginative.”

“And whilst he may not have ever lobbied to be in the Hall of Fame, I know he would be extremely happy and grateful to find himself where he deserves to be amongst such illustrious company,” the bassist included. 

Cocker’s career spanned more than five decades. The English singer passed away in 2014, at the age of 70 from lung cancer. During his expansive tenure on the world stage, Cocker turned out staple singles, “Feelin’ Alright” and “Unchain My Heart.” His first LP, pulled its name and a rendition of the Beatles’ original song “With a Little Help From My Friends,” bringing Cocker star status. 

Cocker’s cover of The Beatles’ favorite reached No. 1 in the UK (1968) and became a staple of his live shows–his Woodstock performance remains a widely streamed favorite. The early 1970s resulted in Mad Dog & Englishmen, the 20-member musician troupe helmed by bandleader Leon Russell. Cocker and company toured 48 cities and recorded a subsequent live album that cemented the “big, wild party” on tape. 

Watch Cocker’s cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” live at Woodstock ‘69 below.