Paul McCartney endorses Joe Cocker for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

In February 2024, Paul McCartney joined many others in endorsing Foreigner’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, supporting a campaign led by Mick Jones’ stepson, Mark Ronson.

A year later, in a letter dated February 25, 2025, Paul sent a letter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame advocating for the late English blues-rock singer Joe Cocker, who had been announced as a nominee the previous month.

Dear Rock and Rollers,

I would like to suggest Mr Joe Cocker for entry into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Joe was a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances. He sang one of our songs “With A Little Help From My Friends,” a version produced by Denny Cordell which was very imaginative.

All the people on the panel will be aware of the great contribution Joe made to the history of Rock and Roll. 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.

Thanks you and all the best,

Paul (McCartney)

Here’s how Paul McCartney paid tribute to Joe Cocker following his passing in December 2024:

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. I was especially pleased when he decided to cover ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ and I remember him and Denny Cordell coming round to the studio in Saville 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 to 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.

Paul McCartney – From paulmccartney.com, December 23, 2014

Lily Snape • 1 day ago

Lily Snape •

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