He’s not just on this earth to write the songs that we live our lives to; Sir Paul McCartney is also known to be a fierce advocate for his fellow musicians, especially when it comes down to the wire when Rock Hall inductions are on the line.
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The Beatles, of course, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, their first year of eligibility, and Paul McCartney as a solo artist was inducted into the hallowed halls in 1999, and has since advocated for many of his peers with the latest payoff coming in 2024 after throwing his support behind Foreigner.
Now, Sir Paul has penned a letter to the powers that be in Cleveland in support of late British blues and rock singer Joe Cocker -- who passed in 2014 at 70 years old -- to be chosen for induction this year. Dated February 25, McCartney described Cocker to the “rock and rollers” he’s addressing as a “great man and a fine singer” who captivated fans with a truly unique voice. “He sang one of our songs, ‘With A Little Help From My Friends,’ a version produced by Denny Cordell, which was very imaginative,” McCartney adds.
“And while [Cocker] may not have ever lobbied to be in the Hall of Fame,” McCartney explains, “I know he would be extremely happy and grateful to find himself where he deserves to be amongst such illustrious company.”
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The 2025 list being considered for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame includes Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, OutKast, Phish, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Of these 14 nominees, only about half will earn a spot after being voted in by an international panel that includes more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry players. Additionally, there is a fan-voted element, that will play a part in the final tally.