Paul McCartney has penned a letter campaigning for the late Joe Cocker’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame later this year.
Last month, the nominees for this year’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were announced. Leading the nominations this year are the likes of Oasis, Joy Division/New Order, Mariah Carey, The White Stripes and more. Also nominated posthumously is late Sheffield singer and Grammy winner Joe Cocker.
It has now been revealed that two-time Rock Hall inductee Paul McCartney is now rallying fans to cast their votes for Cocker’s induction. Per a letter dated February 25, which has been obtained by Variety, McCartney wrote: “Dear Rock and Rollers, I would like to suggest Mr Joe Cocker for entry into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.”
Macca continued: “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. Thank you and all the best,” Paul McCartney concluded.
Voting for fans is available now, and finalists are set to be announced in April. A date for the induction ceremony will be shared at a later date – you can cast your votes here.
Also nominated this year are Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Phish, Soundgarden, Chubby Checker and Maná.
Joe Cocker died in late 2014 from lung cancer at the age of 70, and his nomination for the Rock Hall marks his first nod.
Roughly half of the nominated artists will be inducted into the institution later this year, and winners are chosen by an international panel of 1,200 musicians, industry professionals and historians.
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