The Late Ric Ocasek

rollingstone.com

rollingstone.com

Alex Herman, Sports recorder

Rock band icon, Ric Ocasek, was an American singer/songwriter, who was the frontman for the popular rock band The Cars. Sadly, Ric passed away on September 19th, 2019 at the age of 70 from a heart attack.

Ric with his wife and two of his children

Ric began his music career in Cleveland, Ohio. He started playing the acoustic guitar in “folk clubs” for many audiences. While in Cleveland, he met one of his bandmates, Benjamin Orr. The two joined forces and traveled to Boston to where they would start the band. By 1977, the band formed into a five-man group releasing classic hits like “Just What I Need” and “My Best Friend’s Girl.”  Their songs even made the billboard top 100 charts.

Ric and his bandmates

By 1982, Ric began a solo career and released his solo album called “Beatitude.” He followed it up with another solo album called “The Side Of Paradise”, which features artists such as Greg Hawkes, Elliot Easton, and Ben Orr.  “Emotion in Motion” a song from his second album helped him earn the fifteenth spot on the billboard charts in late 1986.

With his success, Ric made such an impact for rock band culture that no one could forget. His music and legacy will continue to shine and inspire all generations.  Rest easy Ric.