Rick Davies: Supertramp singer and co-writer dies at 81

• Supertramp founder Rick Davies has died aged 81, a decade after his multiple myeloma diagnosis
• He co-wrote and sang classic hits including "Bloody Well Right" and "Goodbye Stranger"
• The band praised his lasting influence on rock music
• He settled a royalties dispute with former bandmates in 2023

Rick Davies, the English singer, keyboardist and co-founder of Supertramp, died on Saturday at 81. He had been living with multiple myeloma for ten years, the band announced.

Davies partnered with Roger Hodgson to create Supertramp's signature sound, blending soulful vocals and distinctive Wurlitzer piano. He wrote or co-wrote hits such as the 1974 breakthrough "Bloody Well Right" and the 1979 single "Goodbye Stranger."

Born in Swindon, Wiltshire in 1944, Davies formed Supertramp in 1969 after placing an advert in Melody Maker. Dutch backer Stanley August Miesegaes funded the band's early years, leading to a string of successful albums.

The group achieved commercial success with 1974's Crime of the Century and reached a global audience with 1979's Breakfast in America, which featured "The Logical Song" and "Goodbye Stranger". The album sold over 30 million copies and earned two Grammy nominations.

Despite creative tensions that led Hodgson to depart in 1983, Davies continued touring and recording under the Supertramp name. A planned 2015 reunion was canceled due to his cancer diagnosis.

"Warmth and resilience"

"Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience and devotion to his wife, Sue," the band said. "His music and legacy continue to inspire, proving that great songs never die."

Supertramp's classic lineup also featured Dougie Thomson, John Helliwell and Bob Siebenberg. In 2017, Davies and Hodgson agreed to adjust their songwriting shares to include the other members. A subsequent royalties dispute was settled by Davies in 2023.

Rick Davies’s soulful voice and songwriting partnership defined Supertramp’s legacy and left an enduring mark on rock music.

This topic was reported by BBC News.

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