Who Is Ric Ocasek? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ric Ocasek, born on March 23, 1944, was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band The Cars. His innovative sound and distinctive style contributed significantly to the rock music scene of the late 20th century. Unfortunately, Ric passed away on September 15, 2019, but his influence continues to resonate in the music industry.
As of 2025, Ric Ocasek would have been 81 years old, a testament to his lasting impact and the timeless quality of his music. His journey from a young boy in Baltimore to a rock legend is well-documented, with numerous albums and hits to his name.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1944 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 15 September, 2019 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Ric Ocasek's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ric Ocasek was known for his tall and slender distinct appearance. At approximately 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) in height, he often cited his height as an advantage in his stage presence. His weight was around 150 lbs (68 kg), complementing his lanky frame. Although specific measurements are not widely publicized, his unique style and presence remain as iconic as his music.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ric Ocasek was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Susannah Hoffs, with whom he had a son, while his second marriage was to Paulina Porizkova, a well-known model and actress. The couple tied the knot in 1989 and had two sons together. However, their relationship became strained over the years, and they separated in 2018.
As of 2025, Ric's romantic life is still a topic of interest among fans, but he is remembered as a dedicated father who balanced his career with family life.
His paternal side was of Czech descent, and he grew up Catholic. When he was 16 years old, his father moved the family back to the Otcasek hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where his father worked as a systems analyst with NASA at the Lewis Research Center. Ric Ocasek graduated from Maple Heights High School in 1963.
He briefly attended Antioch College and Bowling Green State University, but dropped out to pursue a career in music.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2019, Ric Ocasek had a net worth estimated at $40 million. His wealth stemmed from years of success with The Cars, along with his work as a producer for other artists. The band's classic hits, including "Just What I Needed" and "Drive," continue to generate royalties, contributing to his lasting financial legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ric Ocasek's career took off with the formation of The Cars in the late 1970s, leading to some of the most iconic tracks in rock history. The band sold millions of albums worldwide, with multiple Grammy nominations and critical acclaim.
Outside of music, Ric was also involved in various production projects, working with artists such as Weezer and No Doubt. His business ventures included investments in music publishing and creative collaborations that ensured his influence extended far beyond his own band's success.
After performing in various bands in Columbus and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ocasek and Orr relocated to Boston in the early 1970s. There they formed a Crosby, Stills and Nash-style folk rock band called Milkwood. They released one album, How's the Weather, on Paramount Records in early 1973 but it failed to chart.
Future Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes played on Milkwood's album. After Milkwood, Ocasek formed the group Richard and the Rabbits, which included Orr and Hawkes. Ocasek and Orr also performed as an acoustic duo during this period. Some of the songs they played became the early Cars songs.
Later, Ocasek and Orr teamed up with guitarist Elliot Easton in the band Cap'n Swing. Cap'n Swing soon came to the attention of WBCN disc jockey Maxanne Sartori, who began playing songs from their demo tape on her show.
After Cap'n Swing was rejected by several record labels, Ocasek got rid of the bass player and drummer and decided to form a band that better fit his style of writing. Orr took over on bass and David Robinson, best known for his career with the Modern Lovers, became the drummer.
Hawkes returned to play keyboards and the band became "the Cars" in late 1976.
Social Network
Ric Ocasek was relatively reserved when it came to social networking, preferring to let his music speak for itself. However, after his passing, his legacy continued through various social media accounts managed by fans and family. Tributes poured in across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, celebrating his contributions to music and culture.
Ocasek was a founding member of the Cars, recording numerous hit songs from 1978 to 1988. He played rhythm guitar and sang lead vocals for a majority of songs (bassist Benjamin Orr was lead vocalist on the remaining tracks). Ocasek was the oldest member of the band.
After splitting writing duty with Orr in the 1970s, Ocasek became the principal songwriter of the band, and wrote nearly all of the Cars' material, sharing credit on only a few songs with bandmate Greg Hawkes as co-writer. In 2010, Ocasek reunited with the surviving original members of the Cars to record their first album in 24 years.
The album, entitled Move Like This, was released on May 10, 2011. Not long after the album's release and its supporting tour, however, the Cars resumed their hiatus, and reunited once again in April 2018 for a performance at the ceremony of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Education
Ric Ocasek attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he formed a band called The Cars, which paved the way for his future success. His educational background equipped him with the skills he would later utilize in his music career, blending creative expression with musical innovation.
Ocasek met future Cars bassist Benjamin Orr in Cleveland in 1965 after Ocasek saw Orr performing with his band the Grasshoppers on the Big 5 Show, a local musical variety program. He reconnected with Orr a few years later in Columbus, Ohio, and the two began performing in and booking bands together. They formed a band called ID Nirvana in 1968 and performed in and around Ohio State University.
