Paul McCartney Gives A Little Help To Joe Cocker’s Rock Hall Bid
Macca called Cocker “a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances” within a letter sent to voters.
By Scott Bernstein Mar 4, 2025 • 7:03 am PST
Photo credits: John Macpherson (l), MJ Kim (r)
Paul McCartney stepped up to advocate for Joe Cocker's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Cocker, known in part for his iconic version of the Beatles classic “With A Little Help From My Friends,” is one of 14 nominees for the institution’s class of 2025.
In a heartfelt appeal dated February 25 on his personal stationery, McCartney addressed “Dear Rock and Rollers” with a simple yet powerful endorsement: “I would like to suggest Mr. Joe Cocker for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
The Beatles legend praised Cocker as “a great man and a fine singer whose unique style made for some fantastic performances,” specifically highlighting Cocker’s renowned rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends,” which McCartney described as “very imaginative” under the production of Denny Cordell.
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“All the people on the panel will be aware of the great contribution Joe made to the history of Rock and Roll,” McCartney continued. “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.”
Paul McCartney first entered the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame alongside his Beatles bandmates in 1988, which was followed by his solo career induction in 1999. A scan of Macca’s letter was shared by publicist Bob Merlis.
Scarn via publicist Bob Merlis
“With A Little Help From My Friends” was written by Paul McCartney with John Lennon for inclusion of the Beatles’ landmark 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Cocker’s subsequent recording arrived the following year and topped the charts in the UK.
Joe Cocker is joined on this year’s list of first-time nominees by Phish, The Black Crowes, Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Billy Idol and Maná. Others up for induction as part of the Rock Hall’s class of 2025 include previous nominees The White Stripes, Soundgarden, Oasis, Joy Division/New-Order, Cyndi Lauper and Mariah Carey.
A fan vote is currently underway with Phish holding a healthy lead as of press time.
