Tributes have come pouring in for legendary singer Joe Cocker after he passed away aged 70

Tributes have come pouring in for legendary singer Joe Cocker after he passed away aged 70.

Cocker - born John Robert Cocker - died today after a battle with long cancer, his agent confirmed to BBC News.

The Sheffield-born singer enjoyed a career spanning more than 40 years, with hits including Unchain My Heart, You Are So Beautiful and his duet with Jennifer Warnes Up Where We Belong.

An official statement from Sony Music read: "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 20’s. 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."

In 1968, his cover of the Beatles' With a Little Help from My Friends reached the number one spot in the UK.

Ringo Starr was one of the first celebrities to lead the tributes.