Supertramp star Rick Davies dies at 81
The British singer and keyboardist Rick Davies died after battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, for 10 years.
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Rick Davies, founding member of the British rock band Supertramp, has died at 81 after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma.
The band, known for hits like “Breakfast in America” and “The Logical Song,” announced on its website that the singer and musician died Sept. 6 after a decadelong cancer battle. The English musician is survived by his wife, Sue.
“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,” the group wrote.
Davies was responsible for writing or cowriting the tracks “Breakfast in America,” “Goodbye Stranger,” “Dreamer” and “Give a Little Bit.”
Born in Swindon, southwest England, in 1944, Davies grew up with a love of jazz, blues and the piano. He helped form Supertramp in 1970 after placing a magazine ad looking for musicians.
The band grew to fame in the 1970s and ’80s with other international hits such as “It’s Raining Again” and “Take the Long Way Home.” The group’s “classic” lineup featured singer/songwriter, cofounder and guitarist Roger Hodgson, along with Dougie Thomson on bass, Bob Siebenberg on drums and John Helliwell on saxophone. Throughout the band’s multiple lineup changes, Davies was the group’s only constant member.
Davies, who also played keyboards and harmonica, carried the band forward after Hodgson’s departure in 1983 but disbanded the group by the end of the decade.
Supertramp called Davies’ “soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer (piano)” the “heartbeat of the bands’ sound.”
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, or white blood cells that help fight infections by producing antibodies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include fatigue, bone pain, weakness, weight loss, infections and kidney issues.
“Rick’s music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on,” the band said.
Contributing: Reuters
(This story was updated to include video.)
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