Rick Davies, Co-Founder of Supertramp, Passes Away at 81

## Remembering Rick Davies

Rick Davies, the talented singer and keyboardist, known as a founding member of the acclaimed prog-rock and pop ensemble Supertramp, passed away on Saturday at his Long Island home. He was 81 years old.

### Supertramp’s Legacy

“The Supertramp Partnership is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our co-founder Rick Davies after a prolonged illness,” the band shared in a statement. “We had the honor of knowing and playing alongside him for over 50 years. Our heartfelt condolences go to Sue Davies.” While the specific cause of death hasn’t been publicly disclosed, it is known that Davies had been fighting multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, for over a decade.

### Formation of Supertramp

Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1969, drawing inspiration from the 1908 book *The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp* by Welsh author William Henry Davies. Along with guitarist Richard Palmer, drummer Robert Millar, and vocalist-bassist Roger Hodgson, the group released their debut album and its follow-up, *Indelibly Stamped*, in 1969 and 1970, respectively. Unfortunately, these early efforts did not gain much commercial attention.

### Breakthrough Success

After reshaping the lineup, Davies and Hodgson achieved a significant commercial breakthrough with the 1974 album *Crime of the Century*. This album included hit tracks like “Bloody Well Good” and “Crime of the Century,” while Hodgson’s “Dreamer” also became one of Supertramp’s signature songs.

### Timeless Contributions

Throughout his career, Davies authored many of the band’s best-loved tracks, including “Goodbye Stranger,” “Cannonball,” and “My Kind of Lady.” Their sixth album, *Breakfast in America*, not only went quadruple platinum but also earned two Grammy Awards and was nominated for Album of the Year.

### Early Influences

Born in Swindon, Wiltshire, west of London, Davies initially gravitated toward the drums after discovering an old Gene Krupa album. “That one hit me like a rocket. It was like water in the desert,” he once reflected in a 1997 interview. “Back then, the radio in England was filled with Vera Lynn and other corny music.” Eventually, he transitioned to the piano, which garnered a more positive response from listeners.

He also briefly performed in a band called Rick’s Blues alongside future pop star Gilbert O’Sullivan and later joined forces with Noel Redding, the bassist from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, in a group called the Lonely Ones.

### A Lasting Impact

Rick Davies’ influence on music, especially within the progressive rock genre, remains significant. His legacy continues to inspire countless musicians and fans around the world.

How do you remember Rick Davies and his impact on music?