Paul McCartney is advocating for Joe Cocker’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On Monday, publicist Bob Merlis shared a scanned copy of a letter dated February 25, in which McCartney urged that the English musician be honored with a place in the esteemed organization.
“Joe was a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances,” McCartney wrote in the letter. “He sang one of our songs With a Little Help from My Friends, a version produced by Denny Cordell which was very imaginative.”
McCartney concluded his note by stating, “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.”
Cocker, known for hits such as Up Where We Belong (a duet with Jennifer Warnes), You Are So Beautiful, and his iconic Beatles cover With a Little Help From My Friends, passed away in 2014 at the age of 70.
Paul McCartney (Photo: WireImage)In his statement to the press on Monday, Merlis noted that McCartney “caught wind” of the ongoing efforts to secure Cocker’s induction.
“Just this morning the letter you see below showed up and it’s quite apparent that he’s more than OK with our sharing it. We urge you to do the same,” Merlis wrote.
This isn’t the first time McCartney—who has been inducted twice, first as a Beatle in 1988 and then as a solo artist in 1999—has voiced support for his Hall of Fame favorites. Last year, he publicly endorsed Foreigner, who were inducted in October alongside Cher and Dionne Warwick.
Cocker is among more than a dozen artists nominated for induction this year, alongside acts such as Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, Oasis, Outkast, Billy Idol, and Maná, the first Spanish-language band to be considered for the honor. The induction ceremony is set to take place this fall, though an official date has yet to be announced.
