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Rick Davies, the co-founder, vocalist, and keyboardist of the British rock band Supertramp, has died at the age of 81. The musician passed away at his Long Island home on September 5, following a long battle with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer he was first diagnosed with in 2015.
"The Supertramp Partnership is very sad to announce the death of the Supertramp founder Rick Davies after a long illness," the band said in a statement. "Rick passed away at his home on Long Island on September 5th. We had the privilege of knowing him and playing with him for over fifty years. We offer our sincere condolences to Sue Davies."
Born in Swindon, England in 1944, Davies was drawn to music from a young age, beginning with drums before shifting to keyboards. After early stints with bands including Rick's Blues and The Joint, he placed an advert in Melody Maker magazine in 1969 to form a new group. Roger Hodgson was among the first to respond, and by 1970, the two had founded Supertramp.
"As co-writer, along with partner Roger Hodgson, he was the voice and pianist behind Supertramp's most iconic songs, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history," the band's statement continued. "His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band's sound."
Supertramp found success with their third album, Crime of the Century (1974), which included the Davies-penned "Bloody Well Right." Their biggest breakthrough came with Breakfast in America (1979), featuring hits such as "The Logical Song," "Goodbye Stranger," and the title track. The album sold more than 30 million copies worldwide and earned multiple Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.
Despite their success, tensions grew between Davies and Hodgson, leading to Hodgson's departure in 1983. Davies carried on with the group, releasing several more albums, the last being Slow Motion in 2002. Even after his diagnosis, Davies continued to perform with friends under the name Ricky and the Rockets.
Tributes to the musician highlighted not only his contributions to music but also his personal warmth. "Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over five decades," the band wrote. "Rick's music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on."
