Rick Davies Biography: Rick Davies Early Life and Musical Journey
Rick Davies Biography: Richard “Rick” Davies was born on 22 July 1944 in Swindon, England. His love for music began in childhood, first as a drummer before moving to keyboards, which became his signature instrument. Influenced by jazz, blues, and rock, Davies played in local groups like Rick’s Blues and Vince and the Vigilantes before co-founding one of the most influential progressive rock bands of the 1970s—Supertramp.
Rick Davies Biography: Rick Davies Founding Supertramp
Rick Davies Biography: In 1969, Rick Davies joined forces with Roger Hodgson to create Supertramp. Their unique blend of rock, pop, and progressive elements, combined with Davies’ deep, gritty vocals and Hodgson’s high tenor, gave the band a distinctive dual-voice sound. Davies remained the only permanent member of Supertramp throughout its career.
Supertramp gained global fame in the 1970s with hit albums like:
- Crime of the Century (1974)
- Even in the Quietest Moments (1977)
- Breakfast in America (1979) – which won two Grammy Awards and produced chart-topping singles
Rick Davies Biography: Rick Davies’ Voice and Songwriting
Davies’ raspy baritone became instantly recognizable, though he occasionally surprised fans with falsetto performances, such as in Goodbye Stranger and My Kind of Lady. He wrote or co-wrote many of Supertramp’s best-known songs.
Rick Davies Biography: Popular Songs Written or Sung by Rick Davies
- “Goodbye Stranger”
- “Bloody Well Right”
- “Rudy”
- “Crime of the Century”
- “From Now On”
- “Ain’t Nobody but Me”
- “Gone Hollywood”
- “Just Another Nervous Wreck”
- “Cannonball”
- “I’m Beggin’ You”
While many tracks were jointly credited to Davies and Hodgson, his songwriting often leaned toward blues-inspired, grounded themes, while Hodgson’s were more melodic and spiritual.
Rick Davies Biography: Rick Davies Supertramp Split and Later Years
By 1983, creative and business disagreements caused Roger Hodgson to leave Supertramp. The departure was often described as a “falling out” between the two frontmen. Rick Davies carried the band forward, releasing albums such as …Famous Last Words… and later Slow Motion (2002).
During the 2010s, Supertramp planned a European tour, but it was cancelled after Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Despite his illness, he occasionally performed with a local band called Ricky and the Rockets, though Supertramp itself did not reunite.
Rick Davies Death
Rick Davies passed away on 5 September 2025 at the age of 81 after a long fight with multiple myeloma. He died in Long Island, New York, leaving behind his wife Sue Davies, who had also managed Supertramp since the mid-1980s. His death marked the loss of a true rock icon, remembered for shaping an era of progressive pop-rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Rick Davies die?
Yes, he died on 5 September 2025 from multiple myeloma.
What songs did Rick Davies write?
He wrote or co-wrote classics like Goodbye Stranger, Bloody Well Right, Rudy, and Crime of the Century.
What happened to him in later life?
In 2015 he was diagnosed with blood cancer, forcing him to step away from touring.
Why did Supertramp split?
The main reason was creative and personal differences between Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson.
Which rock legend passed away today?
The recent rock icon to pass away is Rick Davies of Supertramp.
Who passed away in Walk Off the Earth?
That was Mike Taylor (“Beard Guy”), the band’s keyboardist, who died in 2018.
Who wrote the most songs in the world?
Several artists compete for this title, with names like Irving Berlin and Dolly Parton credited with writing thousands of songs.
What are Supertramp members doing today?
As of now, the band is inactive. Surviving members have pursued solo projects, while the world mourns Rick Davies’ passing.
Are Ray Davies and Rick Davies related?
No. Ray Davies (of The Kinks) and Rick Davies (of Supertramp) are not related; they only share a last name.