Rick Davies, Supertramp Co-Founder and Singer, Dead at 81
Rick Davies, the Supertramp co-founder who sang and wrote some of the group's most popular songs, has died at age 81.
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Rick Davies, the singer and keyboardist who as a founding member of prog-rock and pop group Supertramp penned some of the band’s most popular and enduring songs, died on Saturday at his home in East Hampton, New York. He was 81.
“The Supertramp Partnership is very sad to announce the death of Supertramp founder Rick Davies after a long illness,” the band wrote in a statement. “We had the privilege of knowing him, and playing with him for over 50 years. We offer our sincere condolences to Sue Davies.” The band noted that Davies had been battling multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, for over a decade.
“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 added on Facebook. “His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound. Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over five decades. After facing serious health challenges, which kept him unable to continue touring as Supertramp, he enjoyed performing with his hometown buds as Ricky and the Rockets.”
