I've never been a big fan of his, but it's still sad news to me because hits like When The Night Comes or Night Calls were part of the soundtrack of my youth...and the very first concert I attended was a JC gig in 91 or 92.
While his 80s and 90s hits were pleasant but unremarkable, Little Help will always be his signature song, his finest hour imo.
Have a little drinkie in rock n roll heaven!
Oh dear.........yes indeed, RIP Joe. 
I wasn't sure if he was still alive and am really surprised he was only 70. Still, when I did the arithmetic, it made sense. Interesting, Gordon, to read your "I was never a fan but" sort of opening as I feel it is the standard one. I never became a huge fan either but think music history will say he was underrated. The references? He's Woodstock, of course, which is a big plus in my book. And so too the "The Wonder Years". The most intelligent and moving of all the Americans' saccharine productions. RIP Joe Cocker of Sheffield.
Yes R.I.P. Joe.
Loved his early stuff.Bought Delta Lady when it came out and Mad Dogs and Englishmen - a brilliant double album. Got it on CD too with extra tracks.
I recommend it!
was a great musician