Rick Evans was one half of the rock-pop duo Zager and Evans, best known for their 1969 hit single In the Year 2525. The song, written by Evans, was a futuristic vision of the human race and its fate. It topped the charts in both the US and the UK, and became one of the most successful songs of the late 1960s.
But what happened to Rick Evans after his musical fame? How did he die and what was his cause of death? Here is a brief overview of his life and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Rick Evans was born on January 20, 1943, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He grew up in a musical family and learned to play guitar at an early age. He met Denny Zager, another aspiring musician, at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1962. They formed a band called The Eccentrics, and later changed their name to Zager and Evans.
The duo recorded several songs in the mid-1960s, but none of them gained much attention. They moved to Los Angeles in 1968, hoping to find more success in the music industry. There, they met producer Rick Jarrard, who helped them record In the Year 2525 at RCA Studios.
The song was released in 1969 and became an instant hit. It sold over 10 million copies worldwide and earned them a gold record. It also received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom praised its originality and social commentary, while others dismissed it as a novelty song or a pessimistic prophecy.
Later Years and Death
Zager and Evans tried to replicate their success with other songs, but none of them matched the popularity of In the Year 2525. They released two albums, Zager and Evans (1969) and 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (1970), but both of them flopped commercially. They also faced legal issues over the rights to their song, which were claimed by various parties.
The duo disbanded in 1971, and Evans pursued a solo career. He released an album called Fun in the Country in 1974, but it also failed to make an impact. He then moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he lived a reclusive life. He rarely performed or gave interviews, and focused on his hobbies such as painting and gardening.
According to Find a Grave, Evans died in February 2018 at the age of 75. The exact date and cause of his death are not known, but it is speculated that he suffered from a long-term illness. He was buried in an unknown location, and his death was not widely reported by the media.
Legacy and Influence
Rick Evans may not have achieved lasting fame or fortune with his music, but he left behind a legacy that is still remembered by many fans and artists. His song In the Year 2525 is considered a classic of the rock-pop genre, and has been covered by numerous musicians such as Visage, Laibach, Fields of the Nephilim, and Muse.
The song has also been featured in various movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials. Some examples are The Simpsons, Futurama, The X-Files, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and GEICO. The song has also been referenced or parodied in various works of literature, such as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
Rick Evans may have passed away quietly, but his song lives on as a cultural icon and a testament to his creativity and vision. He will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of the rock-pop genre and a visionary songwriter.
