Joe Cocker has died from pulmonary cancer at the age of 70.

The Sheffield-born singer had a career lasting more than 40 years, with hits including You Are So Beautiful and Up Where We Belong.

Joe Cocker’s agent, Barrie Marshall, said the singer, who died after battling lung cancer, was “simply unique”.

Known for his gritty voice, Joe Cocker – a former gas fitter – began his singing career in the pubs and clubs of Sheffield in the 1960s before hitting the big time.

He was propelled to pop stardom when his version of With A Little Help From My Friends reached number one in 1968.

He performed the song at the famous Woodstock Festival in New York state a year later.

Joe Cocker was also well-known for his Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour of 1970, which visited 48 cities across the US.

His duet with Jennifer Warnes, Up Where We Belong – from An Officer And A Gentleman – hit number one and went on to win both a Grammy and an Academy Award in 1983. He was made an OBE in 2011.

Joe Cocker, who recorded 23 studio albums and 40 albums, lived in Colorado, in the US.

Barrie Marshall said it was with “the heaviest hearts we heard that our beloved Joe Cocker passed away last night”.

He continued: “He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain and remained the same man throughout his life.”

Barrie Marshall described Cocker as a “true star” who was also “a kind and humble man who loved to perform.