Rick Davies, frontman, pianist, and vocalist of the band Supertramp, dies at 81.

Rick Davies , one of the founding members of Supertramp, has died at the age of 81 at his home in Long Island, New York. The keyboardist and vocalist for the British band, whose hits include "Goodbye Stranger ," "Breakfast In America" ​​and "The Logical Song ," died on Saturday after a battle with cancer, according to a statement from the band.

Davies was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, more than 10 years ago. "As co-writer, alongside his partner Roger Hodgson , he was the voice and pianist behind Supertramp's most iconic songs, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock music. His soulful voice and unmistakable Wurlitzer playing became the heartbeat of the band's sound ," the group said in a statement posted on their official website.

"Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife Sue , with whom he shared more than five decades," the text continues, highlighting that "after facing serious health problems , which prevented him from continuing to tour as Supertramp," the artist "enjoyed performing with his hometown friends as Ricky and the Rockets."

"Rick's music and legacy continue to inspire many and are a testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on," the text concludes.

Born in Swindon in 1944, Davies' love of music began in his childhood, listening to Gene Krupa 's Drummin' Man , which sparked a lifelong passion for jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll, as his own band recalls.

Davies and Hodgson formed the group that would become Supertramp in 1969, and although the line-up changed numerous times over the years, they are best remembered for the period between 1973 and 1983, when Davies and Hodgson performed with Dougie Thomson on bass, Bob Siebenberg on drums, and John Helliwell on saxophone.

Supertramp achieved their greatest success with 1979's Breakfast In America , which produced the hit singles The Logical Song , Breakfast in America , Goodbye Stranger and Take the Long Way Home .

Hodgson left the band in 1983 and released solo albums , and Davies eventually became the only member to remain with the group throughout its history.

Rick Davies , one of the founding members of Supertramp, has died at the age of 81 at his home in Long Island, New York. The keyboardist and vocalist for the British band, whose hits include "Goodbye Stranger ," "Breakfast In America" ​​and "The Logical Song ," died on Saturday after a battle with cancer, according to a statement from the band.