Paul McCartney wrote a letter of recommendation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the hope of getting a veteran performer inducted.
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.”
McCartney’s seal of approval for Cocker landed the Unchain My Heart songwriter a spot in the prestigious awards body, which announced earlier this year the nominees for the 2026 Hall of Fame category. A list of seventeen performers were confirmed for the shortlist, which can be found below.
- The Black Crowes
- Jeff Buckley
- Mariah Carey
- Phil Collins
- Melissa Etheridge
- Lauryn Hill
- Billy Idol
- INXS
- Iron Maiden
- Joy Division/New Order
- New Edition
- Oasis
- P!NK
- Sade
- Shakira
- Luther Vandross
- Wu-Tang Clan
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame foundation, said: “This diverse list of talented Nominees recognises the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture. Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honour, and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 this Fall.”
