Rick Davies, backed by Dutch millionaire Stanley August Miesegaes, started recruiting to build a band in 1969.  One of his first recruits was Roger Hodgson, who would become a long-time member of this new progressive rock band, which from 1969 to 1970 was called Daddy.  In 1970, they became Supertramp.

Supertramp

We've been around a long, long time. Whole fads come and go between our albums, you know. . .  We tend to do things at a kind of slow pace, but maybe that's why we've lasted so long. But...nothing lasts forever.

The Early Years

Rick Davies, backed by Dutch millionaire Stanley August Miesegaes, started recruiting to build a band in 1969.  One of his first recruits was Roger Hodgson, who would become a long-time member of this new progressive rock band, which from 1969 to 1970 was called Daddy.  In 1970, they became Supertramp.

They signed with the UK branch of A&M Records and released their debut album, Supertramp, in 1970, only in the UK and Canada.  The album was not released in the United States until 1977.  At the time of release, it was barely noticed by critics or consumers.  Their second album, Indelibly Stamped, was released in 1971.  This time, the band utilized eye catching graphics on the album cover, hoping to attract consumers' attention.  However, sales were lower than those of their first album, and Miesegaes withdrew his backing.  All members left the band, leaving Davies and Hodgson.

Picking Up Speed

In 1974, after recruiting an entirely new crew, Supertramp released Crime of the Century.  The album hit #4 on the British charts, and their single, Bloody Well Right, reached the Billboard Top 40 in the US.  They followed up with Crisis? What Crisis? In 1975 and Even the Quietest Moments in 1977.  Neither album saw the success of Crimes, but singles Give a Little Bit and Fool's Overture became timeless hits.

Their most popular album, Breakfast in America, was released in 1979.  Reaching #3 on the British charts and #1 in the United States, the album offered four successful singles:  The Logical Song, Take the Long Way Home, Goodbye Stranger, and Breakfast in America.  The album certified Diamond in Canada and Multi-Platinum in the United States.  

The Later Years

In 1983, Hodgson left the band, citing issues with Davies' wife, who was also the band's manager.  In 1985, Supertramp released Brother Where You Bound.    From 1987 to 2002, the band released three more albums.  Each album enjoyed success, charting in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, but did not see the success of the earlier albums.

Since 2002, Davies has moved to Long Island and has performed very little.  Hodgson has dedicated a great deal of time to solo efforts and touring.  Neither give any hints to a reunion in the future, although their fan base remains loyal.  Their music is continually requested at music sites for mp3 downloads and ringtones.

Did you know . . .

1. Supertramp's song, Give A Little Bit, has been used to promote a number of non profit organizations, including The Red Cross, ASCAP, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

2. In 1980, Supertramp released Paris, a two-LP live album.  It featured most of the singles from the previously unsuccessful album, Crime of the Century.

3. The single, I'm Beggin' You, went to #1 on the U.S. Dance Charts, which was an unusual spot for a pop rock band like Supertramp.

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