The legendary soul and rock singer’s management confirmed the news yesterday (Monday).
During his prolific career, Joe released 23 studio albums and toured extensively across the world.
The former gas fitter started out in the clubs and pubs around Sheffield in the mid-sixties, before hitting the big time with his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends in 1968.
He performed the song a year later at Woodstock Festival – with the appearance later becoming one of his most well-remembered gigs.
Later, his duet with Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong - from the film An Officer And A Gentleman, went on to win both a Grammy and an Academy Award in 1983.
He was made an OBE in 2007.
Barrie Marshall, Joe’s agent, said in a statement: ‘He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain - and remained the same throughout his life.
‘Hugely talented - a true star - but a kind and humble man who loved to perform. Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him.
‘We had the joy to work with this wonderful man for almost 30 years. We loved him and it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts.’
During his prolific career, Joe released 23 studio albums and toured extensively across the world.
The former gas fitter started out in the clubs and pubs around Sheffield in the mid-sixties, before hitting the big time with his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends in 1968.
He performed the song a year later at Woodstock Festival – with the appearance later becoming one of his most well-remembered gigs.
Later, his duet with Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong - from the film An Officer And A Gentleman, went on to win both a Grammy and an Academy Award in 1983.
He was made an OBE in 2007.
Barrie Marshall, Joe’s agent, said in a statement: ‘He was without the doubt the greatest rock/soul voice ever to come out of Britain - and remained the same throughout his life.
‘Hugely talented - a true star - but a kind and humble man who loved to perform. Anyone who ever saw him live will never forget him.
‘We had the joy to work with this wonderful man for almost 30 years. We loved him and it will be impossible to fill the space he leaves in our hearts.’
