Ric Ocasek

Date of Birth: March 23, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 15, 2019

Biography

Ric Ocasek, born Richard Theodore Otcasek, was an American musician, record producer, and painter, best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for the rock band The Cars. He was born on March 23, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. Ocasek’s family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was a teenager, and it was there that he began his music career, forming several bands before The Cars came together in Boston in the late 1970s. The Cars quickly gained fame with their self-titled debut album in 1978, which included hits like “Just What I Needed” and “My Best Friend’s Girl.” The band’s unique blend of rock, new wave, and pop appealed to a broad audience, and they went on to release several successful albums throughout the 1980s. Ocasek’s distinctive voice and songwriting were central to The Cars’ success, and he became known for his enigmatic stage presence and tall, lanky frame. After The Cars disbanded in 1988, Ocasek pursued a solo career and produced albums for other artists, including Weezer and No Doubt. He was also an accomplished painter, often showcasing his work in art galleries. Despite his success in various fields, Ocasek remained a humble and private individual. Ric Ocasek passed away on September 15, 2019, in New York City. He left behind a lasting legacy in the music world, remembered not only for his contributions to The Cars but also for his work as a producer and solo artist.

5 Interesting Facts about Ric Ocasek

1. Ric Ocasek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Cars in 2018.

2. He produced the debut album for Weezer, which included hits like “Buddy Holly” and “Undone – The Sweater Song.”

3. Ocasek married supermodel Paulina Porizkova in 1989 after meeting her during the filming of The Cars’ “Drive” music video.

4. His last solo album, “Nexterday,” was released in 2005.

5. Ric Ocasek was also a visual artist, and his paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ric Ocasek

1. “Refusing to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.”

2. “People are strange. We’re all morticians. Hey, what’s on TV?”

3. “I think bands, when they’re on the road, they keep their sanity by developing an internal sense of humor.”

4. “The opportunity for doing mischief is found a hundred times a day, and of doing good once in a year.”

5. “I think there’s a lot of bands that are still really good, and I still love them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Ric Ocasek’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.

Children

Ric Ocasek had six children. He had two sons, Christopher and Adam, with his first wife, Constance Campbell. He had two more sons, Eron and Derek, with his second wife, Suzanne Otcasek. With his third wife, Paulina Porizkova, he had two sons, Jonathan Raven and Oliver Orion.