Supertramp Co-Founder Rick Davies Dies at 81 After Decade-Long Cancer Battle

Rick Davies, co-founder, singer, and keyboardist of the British band Supertramp, passed away at age 81 after a long battle with multiple myeloma. He was a central figure in the band’s success, co-writing and performing many of their iconic songs including "Goodbye Stranger," "Breakfast in America," and "Bloody Well Right." Supertramp's 1979 album "Breakfast in America," featuring Davies' performances, topped charts, won two Grammys, and sold over 18 million copies, cementing their place in rock history. Davies' working-class background and jazz and blues influences contrasted with bandmate Roger Hodgson's pop sensibilities, creating the tension and dynamic that defined Supertramp's sound. Despite Hodgson's departure in 1983, Davies continued to perform the band’s biggest hits, maintaining Supertramp’s legacy. His songwriting combined social commentary and personal reflection, allowing the band's music to resonate with multiple generations.