Rick Davies, co-founder and vocalist of the British band Supertramp, has died, the group confirmed in a statement. According to reports, the musician passed away after battling a long illness. Here’s what happened.
How did Rick Davies die?
Reports indicate that Rick died last week at his home in Long Island, following a long battle with multiple myeloma, which was diagnosed in 2015. The illness forced him to undergo aggressive treatment and cancel a European tour with the band.
After his cancer diagnosis, Davies continued performing, sometimes under the name Ricky and the Rockets. He is survived by his wife, Sue, who has served as the band’s manager since 1984.
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How old was Rick Davies?
At the time of his death, Rick Davies was 81 years old.
What was Rick Davies’ net worth?
Rick Davies’ net worth is currently estimated at $20 million. His earnings came mainly from his performances with the progressive rock band Supertramp, as well as other projects he developed during more than five decades in music.
Among his assets was a two-acre property in East Hampton, New York, which he purchased in May 1992 for $795,000. This home served as his primary residence from that date until his passing. Its current value is estimated between $7 and $8 million.
Who was Rick Davies?
Rick Davies was born in 1944 in Swindon, England, and showed a deep passion for music from a young age. His first encounter with a Gene Krupa record introduced him to jazz and modern rhythms, sparking an interest in drums, though he soon realized that piano was his true instrument. Self-taught, he drew inspiration from blues and jazz greats like Ray Charles, later stating that the piano “just seemed perfect” for him, defining his style and musical voice.
In 1969, Davies co-founded Supertramp with financial backing from a Dutch entrepreneur. The band struggled with its first two albums, but achieved major success in 1974 with Crime of the Century. Davies’ composition Bloody Well Right became iconic, thanks to its Wurlitzer riff, which became synonymous with the band. Together with Roger Hodgson, whose tenor voice contrasted with Davies’ rough, bluesy tone, they created a unique vocal style.
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Supertramp continued to achieve success through the 70s and early 80s, peaking with Breakfast in America (1979), which sold over 18 million copies and included classics like The Logical Song and Goodbye Stranger. After Hodgson left in 1983, Davies kept the band active with new lineups, maintaining their musical legacy. His distinctive piano playing and Wurlitzer sound defined the band, blending rock, ballads, and socially observant lyrics.
Even after his multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2015, Davies remained musically active, performing with local groups and reaching new audiences through modern covers and samples. Upon his death, he left an enduring legacy in rock and contemporary music, always supported by his wife, Sue Davies.
Most popular Supertramp songs
Supertramp established themselves as one of the most influential progressive rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, thanks to their blend of thoughtful lyrics, vocal harmonies, and a distinctive sound defined by Rick Davies’ piano and synthesizers. Throughout their career, the band produced numerous hits that have remained timeless and continue to be celebrated by fans across generations. Some of Supertramp’s most popular songs include:
- The Logical Song
- Breakfast in America
- Goodbye Stranger
- Take the Long Way Home
- Bloody Well Right
- Dreamer
- Give a Little Bit
