Ric Ocasek, the singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for classic rock band and New Wave pioneers The Cars, died this Sunday in New York City. He was 75. According to CNN, the NYPD responded to a call about “an unconscious male” at a townhouse on East 19th Street. Medical staff on the scene identified the unconscious man as Ocasek, and declared him dead there. A prolific songwriter and solo artist, Ric Ocasek was known for epitomizing the late ’70s/early ’80s punk rock look and attitude, alongside musicians like Joey Ramone and Lou Reed. The Cars’ music was plunky and unusual, merging early garage punk with bombastic classic rock. So much of their identity was encapsulated, for many, in Ocasek’s black hair, shades, and reedy voice. Amon...