From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Richard Theodore Otcasek (March 23, 1944 – September 15, 2019), known as Ric Ocasek, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and painter. He was best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for the rock band the Cars. In 2018 Ocasek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cars. That same year he revealed a number of his paintings in a national tour.