Sept 15 (Reuters) - Ric Ocasek , the idiosyncratic lead singer and chief songwriter of the 1970s and 80s hook-heavy hitmakers The Cars, died on Sunday at his home in Manhattan. He was 75.

Ocasek was pronounced dead at his townhouse after someone called 911 about 4 p.m. EDT to report that he was unresponsive, a New York Police Department spokesman said. The cause of death will be determined by the citys coroner.

His representatives could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

So sad. Such a great writer, singer, player, producer, fellow classic rocker Peter Frampton said on Twitter of Ocasek. My thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace.