A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame letter of recommendation has been written by Paul McCartney for an artist who “deserves” to be in it.
The Beatles and Wings frontman shared a letter he had written to the Ohio-based organisation, calling for Joe Cocker to be inducted into the performers category. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which features legendary performers like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and McCartney himself, is eligible to artists twenty-five years after the release of their first record. A letter dated to February 25, 2025, has been shared to the r/PaulMcCartney subreddit, where and discussed the letter praising the “very imaginative” cover Cocker performed of a Beatles classic.
The letter reads: “Dear Rock and rollers, I would like to suggest Mr Joe Cocker for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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.”
Fans of McCartney and Cocker agreed with the Wings frontman, saying the hitmaker behind Up Where We Belong deserved to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. One wrote: “Oh I agree. I saw the Concert MadDogs and Englishmen and it was so full of excitement and energy. I remember when Joe Cocker’s song The Letter was a hit and driving around LA every station was playing that song. And don’t forget Woodstock! He was truly an electrifying performer!”
Another agreed, adding: “He didn’t write a bunch of amazing songs but one of the greatest performers ever. Feelin Alright, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, With A Little Help From My Friends, Woman To Woman and more.”
Paul McCartney Writes Letter on Behalf of Joe Cocker Re: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
byu/ebradio inPaulMcCartney
A third wrote: “Once again, I agree with Paul McCartney.” Others were surprised McCartney’s previous recommendations to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had not been considered.
One fan wrote: “I’m surprised Joe Cocker isn’t in already. McCartney recorded an endorsement last year for Foreigner. It kind of lessens the impact if he is going to make an endorsement for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame every year!”
Another wrote: “It’s a nice gesture obviously, but a letter like this just underscores how incredibly lame the Hall of Fame is. An elite insider asking for a chummy favor so his buddy can be celebrated at a big corporate shindig captures the spirit of rock and roll.”
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I ❤️ Joe Cocker…great!
Joe Cocker really elevated Help from My Friends. He turned it from a cutish ditty to a power ballad more in common with the Stones.
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The last time I saw Joe he brought me to tears with his songs…He opened for Steve Miller in Central Point Oregon….R.I.P. Joe!
“So let it be written, so let it be done.”
Agree with all points here. I would like to see Rainbow get the hall. Blackmore, Powell, Airy, Bonnet, Turner and many others
Who? lol
I would love to see the Monkees inducted into the Hall of Fame as well. They deserve it !!!1
I’m 39 and a huge rock fan. That said, I still don’t know who Joe Cocker is. I’ve heard the name but I am unaware of his work and how he possibly could be deserving of this.
Check out the Woodstock performance by Joe
If you’ve never heard of Joe Cocker, then I’m afraid your not a huge rock fan.
You may have been born 30 years too late but I see Cocker performances on the tube and hear them on the radio all the time. If you are a true rocker, you’ll do your homework before embarrassing yourself this way…
If you don’t know who Joe is than you are not even close to a real rock fan. Silly little man.
Start with the Beatle’s song “Bathroom window” and work out from there. Outstanding talent. Paul shouldn’t have to make the recommendation.
Why is scott walker and the walker brothers not in,scott walker should be.
I loved seeing him on SNL with Belushi. He was so good along with John imitating him. He deserves to be in!!
How Chicago isn’t in is insane
It’s obsurd. Terry Kath is legend talent.
They were inducted in 2016!
If the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is legitimate, Burton Cummings from the Guess Who and his solo carer would be in it.
I never got off on that lame revelation stuff .
It’s ashame hoe isn’t in RARHOF. Just like Johnny Winters he should be in as well it’s ashame!!!!!
Great choice!
I vote for Larry Raspberry high steppin’ and fancy dancing.
Johnny Winter. Please
I love Joe Cocker. He never gets the recognition he deserves
Like Boston and Styx are treated like crap and so many rock bands but they have changed the rules to get rappers and country music singers on as rock stars so I will never go to Cleveland Ohio and recommend everyone never visit the RRHOF EVER BECY ITS RACIEST AGAINST WHITE ROCK BAD S ANS SOME WIRB BLACK LEAD SINGERS LIKE THIN LIZZY !!
During my divorce I bought Joe’s cd respect yourself, it carried me through to the finish. Thank you Joe!
Joe was the first national artist to play First Avenue in Minneapolis. He was the concert opener, with 17 band members and backup vocalists. Leon Russel being one of them!!
He played Woodstock!
Johnny Winter, Joe Cocker are both on my playlist and in my head when I sing in the shower.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is fun, but absolutely meaningless based on who they have let in. Take Madonna for example: 1) she is pop not rock, 2) she is a lipsyncer – that ain’t Rock and Roll…
In my opinion, the HOF for any sport or entertainer is a joke.
Award shows & HOF mean little to someone who has passed.
About the only real worth of being in a HOF is it makes merchandise more expensive.
Cool is the rule, chill is the drill 😎✌️🙏
Joe Cocker also opened Woodstock ’94 traditionally, since he opened in 1969.
How about Styx for membership