Liputan6.com, Jakarta The global music world mourns the passing of one of the icons of progressive rock, Rick Davies, founder and lead singer of the legendary group Supertramp.
Known for his raspy baritone voice and distinctive touch on the Wurlitzer keyboard, the musician passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 81.
Advertisement
Rick Davies passed away peacefully at his home in East Hampton, New York, United States.
His death was caused by complications from multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, which he had battled 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 statement from his Facebook and website said.
“His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the bands’ sound,” it added.
Rick Davies' Central Role in Supertramp
Rick Davies is widely recognized as one of the mainstays of the iconic rock band Supertramp.
He is the founder, vocalist, and keyboardist, and has been the band's musical backbone since its beginning.
Throughout Supertramp's long history, Rick Davies has been the only member to remain loyal and consistent throughout the band.
Along with Roger Hodgson, Rick Davies is responsible for writing most of Supertramp's most popular songs.
The two successfully blended progressive rock elements with accessible pop influences, creating a unique sound that has become the band's signature.
Davies' deeper, often raspy baritone vocals provide an interesting contrast to Hodgson's high tenor.
However, he is also capable of singing in falsetto, as seen on "Goodbye Stranger" and "My Kind of Lady."
His Contributions to Supertramp's Iconic Songs
Throughout his career with Supertramp, Rick Davies wrote or co-wrote numerous hit and highly acclaimed songs.
Works like "Rudy," "Bloody Well Right," and "Crime of the Century" showcase his lyrical depth and musical arrangements.
Furthermore, Davies was the creative force behind other popular songs like "Ain't Nobody But Me," "From Now On," and "Gone Hollywood."
"Just Another Nervous Wreck," "My Kind of Lady," and "Cannonball," are also proves of his important contribution during his time at the band.
Supertramp's 1979 album, "Breakfast in America," marked the band's peak commercial success.
It featured songs like "Goodbye Stranger," which Davies co-wrote, as well as the smash hits "The Logical Song" and "Take the Long Way Home."
"Breakfast in America" topped the charts in the United States and Canada, earned two Grammy Awards, and sold over 18 million copies worldwide.
Early Career Journey and the Formation of Supertramp
Rick Davies's interest in music developed at an early age, inspired by Gene Krupa's "Drummin' Man."
This influence sparked a lifelong love of jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll, which later formed the foundation of his musical career.
At the age of eight, his parents gave him a second-hand radio cassette player containing several recordings, including works by Gene Krupa, which greatly influenced him.
In 1956, he joined the British Railways Staff Association Brass and Silver Jubilee Band as a drummer, honing his musical talents.
Davies continued to develop his musical talents by joining his first band, "Vince and the Vigilantes," in 1959.
Then, while studying at Swindon Art School in 1962, he formed another group called "Rick's Blues."
An important moment in his career happened in 1969, when Rick Davies formed the band that would later become known as Supertramp.
Initially called Daddy, the band formed after Roger Hodgson responded to an advertisement he placed in the British music magazine, Melody Maker.
Rick Davies' Personal Life
Rick Davies led a relatively quiet personal life.
He married Sue in 1977, who also served as Supertramp's manager from 1984, fully supporting her husband's career.
After facing serious health challenges that prevented him from touring with Supertramp, Davies rediscovered the joy of music with his local group, Ricky and the Rockets.
The group performed on June 10, 2022, at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, New York.
Although his health improved significantly in late August 2018, Rick Davies stated that Supertramp would likely no longer perform as a full-fledged band.
“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 continued in the statement.
“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,” the statement concluded.