Rick Davies, co-founder of the legendary British rock band Supertramp, passed away Saturday at his home on Long Island. He was 81.
The band confirmed on its official website that Davies had died after a long battle with multiple myeloma.
Known as the glue that kept Supertramp together following Roger Hodgson’s departure in 1983, Davies was celebrated for his soulful voice, distinctive piano work, and the enduring songs he created.
Born in Swindon, England, in 1944, Davies discovered his passion for music as a child after hearing Gene Krupa’s “Drummin’ Man.” That early spark grew into a lifelong love for jazz, blues, and rock ’n’ roll, ultimately shaping the sound that would define Supertramp.
“Alongside Roger Hodgson, Rick was the voice and pianist behind some of Supertramp’s most timeless songs, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history,” the band shared in a tribute online.
Davies was the creative force behind hits such as Goodbye Stranger and Bloody Well Right, among many others. He co-founded Supertramp in 1969 with guitarist Richard Palmer and drummer Robert Millar. Their breakthrough came with the 1974 album Crime of the Century, followed by their biggest success, Breakfast in America (1979), which went quadruple platinum and earned the group two Grammy Awards.
“Rick’s soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound,” the tribute continued.
Outside of music, Davies was admired for his warmth, resilience, and unwavering devotion to his wife, Sue, with whom he shared more than 50 years. Though declining health eventually kept him from touring, he continued playing locally with friends as part of Ricky and the Rockets, finding joy in music on his own terms.
“Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire countless fans,” Supertramp added. “Great songs never die—they live on.”
