Age and date of death
Ric Ocasek died on September 15, 2019 at age 75. His death was publicly confirmed on that date by publicist and manager, who stated he died at a hospital while being treated for an unspecified illness. No evidence at the time suggested foul play, and an official cause was not detailed in the initial public reports.
Ric Ocasek overview
Ric Ocasek (born May 23, 1944) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, best known as a co-founder, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter of the rock band The Cars. The band became one of the defining acts of the late 1970s and 1980s new wave and power pop movements. Ocasek was also a prominent producer and songwriter for other artists.
Confirmation and age calculation
Birthday and death date alignment
Born in 1944 and dying in 2019, Ocasek turned 75 earlier in 2019. His age at death is consistently reported as 75 across reputable outlets and public statements from his management. His age at the time of death matches the arithmetic from his birth date (May 23, 1944) and death date (September 15, 2019).
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | September 15, 2019 | Publicist statement, major outlets |
| Age at death | 75 years old | Publicist, obituaries |
| Place of death | New York City, USA | Represented publicist |
| Birth date | May 23, 1944 | Biographies, public records |
Public response and legacy context
The announcement of Ocasek’s death drew widespread recognition from fans and peers, reflecting his impact on rock and new wave music. Tributes highlighted his songwriting, distinctive voice, and influence on production and artist development. Since his passing, retrospective coverage has reinforced his status as a pivotal figure in modern rock history.
Common questions and related facts
Ocasek’s death led to many questions about his health, age, and legacy. Below are concise clarifications on recurring topics to anchor understanding of his career stage and circumstances at the time of his passing.
- Age at death: 75 years old, having been born in 1944 and passing in 2019.
- Location: He died in New York City, where he had been receiving treatment.
- Illness: Reports indicated he was treated for an unspecified illness prior to his death.
- Immediate confirmation: His publicist issued a concise statement that confirmed both his age and the circumstances of his death.
- Legacy: Remembered for shaping new wave, for The Cars catalog, and for his work as a sought-after producer.
Comparison to career timeline
Ocasek remained active in music through the 2000s and 2010s, both with The Cars’ catalog and solo projects. His age at death came after decades of influential recordings and production work, well into an established career. The timing of his death did not interrupt ongoing reissues, documentaries, and retrospective programming that continued to highlight his influence.
Summary of verified details
Ric Ocasek was 75 years old at the time of his death on September 15, 2019. This age is confirmed by publicist statements, obituaries, and standard biographical sources. His death occurred in New York City while he was receiving medical care. The public narrative emphasized his enduring contributions to music and production, with no conflicting timelines or disputed facts regarding his age or the date of death.