Rick Davies

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Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Keyboardist (1945)
Thu Sep 11 2025
By   Smarika

Rick Davies was born on 22nd July 1944 in Swindon, England. He grew up in a working-class background, and initially, he was attracted to music through drumming after he had heard a Gene Krupa album. Subsequently, he moved to playing piano, with a liking for rhythmic blues piano solos and jazz-infused progressive rock. Prior to Supertramp, Davies played in early groups such as Rick's Blues with then upcoming pop artist Gilbert O'Sullivan and The Joint. 

Personal Life 

Rick Davies spent more than half a century married to his wife Sue. He was a jovial and hale fellow who remained loyal to his family despite the toll that poor health took on him. 

Formation of Supertramp 

In 1969, Davies put an advert in Melody Maker magazine for band members, and this led to a partnership with Roger Hodgson. The two created the band Daddy, which was later renamed Supertramp. 

Originally called "Daddy," the band rehearsed in Kent before renaming themselves Supertramp in 1970, inspired by a 1908 book titled The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp. Source: Pinterest

The band combined Davies' and Hodgson's diverged styles of songwriting, Davies' blues-based, acerbic lyrics and Hodgson's melodic tenor. 

Musical Career and Success 

Supertramp gained commercial success with some milestone albums, including Crime of the Century (1974), a genre-defining album featuring songs like "Bloody Well Right" and "Crime of the Century." Even in the Quietest Moments (1977): Obtained a mammoth popularity. Breakfast in America (1979): Their all-time best-seller, with singles "The Logical Song," "Goodbye Stranger," and the title cut. 

More than 30 million copies sold worldwide and two Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Piano and voice playing by Davies were at the heart of the band's sound, particularly on "Goodbye Stranger." Davies assumed lead vocals and songwriting responsibilities from Hodgson until Hodgson left in 1983, when Davies became the sole lead vocalist. 

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Later Career and Health 

Davies toured and recorded on with Supertramp and rebuilt the band in the late 1990s. His reunion tour in 2015 was postponed due to Davies having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer with which he battled for over a decade. 

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma over ten years ago, Davies fought the disease with resilience before passing away in 2025 at age 81. Source: Pinterest

He then performed occasional one-offs with local band Ricky and the Rockets. 

Legacy 

Davies is most famous for his emotive voice, signature electric piano work, and role in creating the unique sound and success of Supertramp. He left a lasting impact on rock music, astounding listeners and musicians alike with songs that continue to endure the test of time.

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