Joe Cocker was famed for his gritty vocals.

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.”

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”

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)

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."

Tributes have begun rolling in for English singer Joe Cocker, who has died aged 70.

Musicians and fans have been expressing their grief at the death of the rocker, who was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace for his contribution to music.

"Goodbye and God Bless to Joe Cocker from one of his friends peace and love. R.," tweeted former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.

"We loved you forever. We will miss you always ... RIP Joe Cocker," wrote rocker Steven Tyler.

Singer Bryan Adams described Cocker as a good friend and one of the best rock singers ever.

Meanwhile actor Val Kilmer also paid his respects on Twitter.

"Ah. What a mighty mighty original voice is gone. Joe Cocker one of the all time soul of Rock and Roller Kings will be missed forever," he said in a post.

Cocker's death followed a struggle with lung cancer.

He is survived by wife Pam, his brother Victor, his step-daughter, Zoey Schroeder and two grandchildren, Eva and Simon Schroeder.

Born in Sheffield in 1944, Cocker worked as a plumber while pursuing a singing career, rising to success as a blues and rock singer in the 1960s.

He became known as a white soul singer and for his unique stage presence, twisting his body and face into contortions as he sang with his signature husky delivery.

The late actor John Belushi famously parodied Cocker's spasmodic style on late-night comedy sketch show "Saturday Night Live." Cocker and Belushi appeared together on the show, with both performing in the rocker's style.

Cocker played at the legendary Woodstock music festival in 1969, where he made his name with his performance of "With a Little Help from My Friends."

In the early 1970s "The Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour and live album cemented his success. He had a big hit in 1974 with "You Are So Beautiful," co-written with Billy Preston.

But he also struggled with alcohol and drug abuse.

His career revived in 1982 when he sang "Up Where We Belong" in a duet with Jennifer Warnes for the film "An Officer and A Gentleman." The song earned Cocker his only Grammy, as well as an Oscar for its writers.

His many studio albums included "Fire It Up," his last, in 2012.

Cocker's agent, Marrie Marshall, said his client was "without doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain".

"We loved him and it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts."

Sony Music said: "John Robert Cocker, known to family, friends, his community and fans around the world as Joe Cocker, passed away on December 22, 2014 after a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. Mr Cocker was 70 years old.

"Joe Cocker was born 5/20/1944 in Sheffield, England where he lived until his early 20s. In 2007 he was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England.

"His international success as a blues/rock singer began in 1964 and continues till this day. Joe created nearly 40 albums and toured extensively around the globe."