breaking news
Joe Cocker -- the gravely-voiced singer known for his version of "With a Little Help From My Friends" -- died today after battling a lung illness ... according to his agent.
Cocker was reportedly at his home in Colorado when he passed away. He was 70 years old.
Cocker's cover of the Beatles 'Help From My Friends' made him an international superstar in 1968. He went on to have several other huge hits, like "You are So Beautiful" in 1975 -- and his duet with Jennifer Warnes ... "Up Where We Belong."
That song earned him a Grammy in 1983.