Rick Davies, the iconic voice and songwriter of Supertramp, known for hits like Goodbye Stranger and My Kind Of Lady, has passed away at 81, the band announced on September 8.
Davies died over the weekend after battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, for over a decade.
“As a co-writer with Roger Hodgson, he was the voice and pianist behind Supertramp’s most memorable songs, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music,” Supertramp’s statement read. “His soulful vocals and signature Wurlitzer sound defined the band’s essence.”
Born in Swindon, England, in 1944, Davies had a passion for jazz, blues, and piano, which led him to form Supertramp in 1970 after seeking bandmates through a magazine ad.
The band’s Grammy-winning 1979 album Breakfast in America became a cultural landmark, praised by Rolling Stone magazine as “textbook-perfect” for its mix of rock and pop.
After Hodgson left in 1983, Davies continued leading the band until its disbandment by the late 1980s.
“Offstage, Rick was cherished for his warmth, resilience, and dedication to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over 50 years,” the band added.
“Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire, proving that great songs endure forever.”
