New Wave Visionary Ric Ocasek of the Cars Found Dead

Just days after Edie Money’s passing, Ric Ocasek was found dead in his Manhattan townhouse on Sunday afternoon.

And if you care about music, especially the melding of new-wave and pop from the 80’s, his music is part of your DNA.

Born Richard Theodore Otcasek in Baltimore, 1944, Ric Ocasek was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for the rock band The Cars.

Tall, lanky and not traditionally handsome, Ocasek was hardly an obvious frontman. But like Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen his strange vocals powered songs with immensely catchy hooks and ironic lyrics, and along with The Cars he brought alternative and punk music into the pop arena.

But while songs like “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Just What I Need,” “Drive,” and “Good Times Roll” may live forever, unfortunately its creators don’t. Benjamin Orr, who cofounded The Cars along with Ocasek, died of pancreatic cancer in 2000.

In 2018, Ocasek, who in later years forged a considerable reputation for his solo projects, as well as for his run as a music producer for bands such as Weezer, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Cars.

And now he too is gone…

Although he was married three times, Ocasek died a solitary man. Early reports said he had died of natural causes, and was found by his estranged wife Paulina Porizkova.

He leaves two sons and body of music that will be remembered….

Rest in peace, Ric.