Rick Davies, the co-founder, singer, pianist, and songwriter of the legendary British progressive rock band Supertramp, has died at the age of 81. Davies passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his home in East Hampton, New York, following a long battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
The news was confirmed on Supertramp’s official website, which paid tribute to Davies:
“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.”
The Rise of Supertramp
Davies co-founded Supertramp in 1969 with Roger Hodgson, blending his jazz and blues influences with Hodgson’s classical training and soaring tenor vocals. Together, they created a unique sound marked by intelligent lyrics and accessible melodies.
The band’s breakthrough album came in 1974 with Crime of the Century, which featured the Davies-Hodgson hit “Bloody Well Right.” Davies’ jazzy Wurlitzer electric piano intro on that track became a defining sound for the group.
Their biggest commercial success arrived in 1979 with Breakfast in America, which sold more than 18 million copies worldwide. The record produced timeless hits such as Hodgson’s “The Logical Song” and “Take the Long Way Home” alongside Davies’ classic “Goodbye Stranger.”
Chart Success and Legacy
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Supertramp’s Top Albums: Crime of the Century (1974), Even in the Quietest Moments (1977), Breakfast in America (1979), Paris (1980), and …Famous Last Words (1982).
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Billboard Success: Breakfast in America spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
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Hit Singles: “The Logical Song,” “Goodbye Stranger,” “Dreamer,” “Take the Long Way Home,” and “It’s Raining Again.”
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Cultural Impact: Supertramp’s music appeared in films and shows such as Magnolia, Superman (1978), The Simpsons, Freaks & Geeks, I, Tonya, The Morning Show, Cruella, and more.
Even after Hodgson’s departure in 1983, Davies continued to lead the band, performing both vocal parts during live shows.
Personal Life and Final Years
Born on July 22, 1944, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, Davies discovered a passion for jazz music early on. His partnership with Hodgson grew from an ad in Melody Maker, eventually evolving into the iconic Supertramp.
Despite battling serious health issues, Davies continued to enjoy music later in life, performing with friends as Ricky and the Rockets.
He is remembered not only for his musical genius but also for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife, Sue, with whom he shared more than five decades.
Legacy
Rick Davies leaves behind a musical legacy that reshaped progressive rock and cemented Supertramp’s place in rock history. His songs remain staples on classic rock radio and continue to inspire musicians and fans worldwide.
Rick Davies is survived by his wife, Sue.
