Billy Joel’s 2014 Letter for Joe Cocker’s Rock Hall Induction Resurfaces As Icon Earns First Nomination
Joe Cocker may have left us over a decade ago, but his unmistakable voice and raw soul still echo through the halls of rock history—and now, finally, those halls may officially bear his name.
In a newly surfaced video tied to Joe Cocker’s first-ever Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination, Billy Joel reads aloud a powerful letter he penned back in 2014, passionately pleading for Cocker’s induction. The moment, originally filmed for the 2017 documentary Joe Cocker: Mad Dog With Soul, didn’t make the final cut—until now.
“As a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since 1999, it has been one of my fondest hopes to see Joe Cocker inducted into it as well,” Joel wrote. “No one has since come even close to him as one of the great primal rock ‘n’ roll vocalists of all time.”
Despite his heartfelt words, Joel revealed the Hall never responded to his letter. “Shows you how much impact I have,” he quipped, ever the piano man with a sense of humor. Still, the moment carried serious emotional weight—and it echoes louder than ever in 2025.
Joel wasn’t alone in his call. Paul McCartney also recently stepped into the ring, publishing an open letter to “Rock and Rollers” worldwide. Reflecting on Cocker’s legendary version of “With a Little Help From My Friends,” McCartney praised the late singer’s passion and artistry: “His unique style made for some fantastic performances.”
“He may not have ever lobbied to be in the Hall of Fame,” McCartney added, “but I know he would be extremely happy and grateful to find himself where he deserves to be.”
Cocker has been eligible since 1994, making this nomination over 30 years in the making. With two music legends now behind him and a massive fanbase still singing his praises, the campaign to induct Cocker is reaching fever pitch.
Fans can vote daily for Cocker through April 21 on the official Rock Hall website. It’s time to give the man with the raspy voice and soul of fire the place he deserves—with a little help from his friends.
