A musician’s version of a classic song from The Beatles has been dubbed the “greatest cover of all time” by fans.
The post to @historyrock_ on X had fans praising the Joe Cocker rendition of With a Little Help From My Friends. The song, which features on The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band album, had Ringo Starr on vocal duties.
With a Little Help From My Friends has been covered countless times since its release but a version from the When the Night Comes songwriter has delighted fans.
Taking to X with footage of Cocker’s performance of the track, dozens of fans praised the late singer’s version of the song.
It comes as Paul McCartney called for Cocker to be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, citing the With a Little Help From My Friends cover as one of the reasons to induct him.
One fan wrote of the performance: “Sends chills everytime I hear this intro. Also, the Woodstock performance is a must watch!”
Another added: “Such a good song and such a unique voice. RIP Joe Cocker.” A third wrote: “You just don’t get that raw sound anymore, Cocker was fabulous, could listen to this all day long…”
Others have considered the song not just a great cover, but one of the best in music history. They wrote: “I do prefer Ringo’s but this is one of the greatest cover songs of all time, and if you said you prefers Joe’s I could see why.”
Another added: “I’ll say it yet again, it’s a crime that he’s not in the Rock and Roll HOF. He should’ve gone in while he was still alive.”
McCartney has since called for Cocker to be inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, commenting on the “great contribution” the late singer made to music.
In a letter addressed to the “rock and rollers” of the Hall of Fame, McCartney wrote: “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.”