Rick Davies, Co-Founder and Voice of Supertramp, Dies at 79

Rick Davies, the British musician who co-founded Supertramp and served as its lead vocalist, keyboardist, and principal songwriter, has died at age 81. The news was confirmed Saturday via the band’s official Facebook page. Davies had been living with Multiple Myeloma for over 10 years.

With his distinctive voice and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer electric piano, Davies helped define Supertramp’s signature sound—one that blended progressive rock, pop, and jazz in a way that resonated across generations and continents.

The Backbone of a Genre-Defying Band

Davies founded Supertramp in 1970 and remained its only constant member through decades of lineup changes and musical evolution. He was instrumental in writing and performing many of the group’s most beloved tracks, including “Bloody Well Right,” “Crime of the Century,” “Goodbye Stranger,” and many others.

During the band’s most successful era in the 1970s and early 1980s, Davies shared songwriting and vocal duties with fellow founding member Roger Hodgson. Their partnership yielded critically acclaimed albums like Crime of the Century (1974), Breakfast in America (1979), and …Famous Last Words… (1982), the last studio album before Hodgson’s departure.

When Hodgson left in 1983 to pursue a solo career, Davies carried on as Supertramp’s frontman, releasing four additional studio albums and maintaining a consistent touring schedule until health issues forced him to step back from the spotlight in the mid-2010s.

A Life Dedicated to Music—and to Love

Born in Swindon, England, in 1944, Davies fell in love with music at a young age, inspired by the big band jazz of Gene Krupa’s “Drummin’ Man.” His passion soon evolved into a lifelong devotion to blues, jazz, and rock ’n’ roll—a fusion that would later shape Supertramp’s eclectic sound.

Outside of his music career, Davies was known for his humility, warmth, and deep personal integrity. He was especially devoted to his wife, Sue, with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage.

Following his departure from Supertramp’s touring lineup, Davies continued playing music locally, performing with a group of hometown friends under the name Ricky and the Rockets.

A Lasting Legacy

In a heartfelt tribute posted on Supertramp’s Facebook page, the band honored Davies’ life and legacy:

“Rick Davies, founder, lead singer and songwriter of Supertramp, passed away on Saturday, September 6th at the age of 81 after battling Multiple Myeloma for over 10 years.

Born in Swindon, England in 1944, Rick’s love of music began in his childhood listening to Gene Krupa’s ‘Drummin’ Man’ which grew into a lifelong passion for jazz, blues and rock’n’roll. 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. His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the band’s sound.

Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over five decades. 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.

Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die—they live on.”

As fans and fellow musicians reflect on his passing, Davies leaves behind a musical legacy that transcends genre, era, and borders—proof that timeless songwriting will always have a place in the world.