From: tferg@snl.com   
      
   The music world is mourning the loss of one of their own. Rick Davies,   
   co-founder of the iconic rock band, Supertramp, has died, this according   
   to Variety and several other sources.   
   The British rock band was renowned for its intelligent blend of   
   progressive rock, pop, and art rock. Their music was characterized by   
   witty lyrics, rich arrangements, and a signature fusion of piano,   
   saxophone, and layered vocals. Formed in 1969, Supertramp reached global   
   acclaim in the 1970s and early 1980s, largely driven by the creative   
   partnership between Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson.   
   Davies was the consistent force behind Supertramp throughout its   
   existence. Born in Swindon, England, Davies was a classically trained   
   pianist with a deep love for jazz and blues, which heavily influenced   
   the band’s sound. His gravelly vocals, lyrical introspection, and   
   piano-driven compositions added emotional depth and complexity to the   
   band’s catalogue. While Hodgson contributed many of the band's   
   radio-friendly hits, Davies provided the soul and backbone of   
   Supertramp. His songwriting often explored themes such as   
   disillusionment, social inequality, and inner struggle -particularly   
   evident in tracks like “Bloody Well Right” and “Crime of the Century.”   
   Following Hodgson’s departure in 1983, Davies continued to lead   
   Supertramp into a more jazz-influenced and experimental direction,   
   keeping the group alive well into the 2000s.   
   Supertramp's critical breakthrough came with Crime of the Century   
   (1974), a dark and dramatic album that showcased the strength of the   
   Davies-Hodgson partnership. Rick Davies delivered the biting social   
   critique “Bloody Well Right” and co-wrote the powerful, orchestral title   
   track, “Crime of the Century,” which explored themes of madness and   
   alienation. The follow-up, Crisis? What Crisis? (1975), was more   
   understated but refined the band’s sound, with Davies contributing   
   standout tracks like the bold, piano-driven “Ain’t Nobody But Me” and   
   the emotionally charged “Another Man’s Woman.” On Even in the Quietest   
   Moments... (1977), Davies offered the gentle piano ballad “Downstream,”   
   revealing a more intimate side to his songwriting. The band reached its   
   commercial peak with Breakfast in America (1979), selling over 20   
   million copies. While Hodgson wrote many of the hits, Davies’ songs such   
   as the funky and cynical “Goodbye Stranger” and the soulful “Oh   
   Darling”   
   added depth and balance to the album. Their final collaboration came on   
   ...Famous Last Words... (1982), where creative tensions were palpable.   
   Davies contributed the brooding “Waiting So Long” and the laid-back,   
   bluesy “Put on Your Old Brown Shoes,” marking the end of Supertramp’s   
   classic era.   
   After Hodgson’s departure, Davies assumed full creative control of   
   Supertramp. He continued releasing albums and touring with new lineups.   
   Davies remained committed to evolving Supertramp’s sound. He led the   
   band through sporadic tours and recordings into the 2000s, until health   
   issues eventually forced his retirement from music.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)