Gerry Rafferty was a Scottish singer-songwriter best known for his 1978 hit single "Baker Street". He was also a member of the folk-rock band Stealers Wheel in the early 1970s.
Gerry Rafferty (16 April 1947 – 4 January 2011) was a Scottish singer-songwriter best known for his solo hits “Baker Street”, “Right Down the Line” and “Stuck in the Middle with You”, as well as his work with the band Stealers Wheel.
Rafferty was born in Paisley, Scotland, and grew up in a working-class family. He began playing music at an early age, learning the guitar and piano. He was a member of several bands in the 1960s, including The Humblebums with Billy Connolly, and the folk-rock group The Fifth Column. In 1972, he formed Stealers Wheel with Joe Egan, and the band released two albums before disbanding in 1975.
Rafferty then embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album City to City in 1978. The album was a huge success, reaching number one in the UK and US charts and selling over five million copies. The lead single, “Baker Street”, was a worldwide hit, reaching number three in the UK and number two in the US. The follow-up single, “Right Down the Line”, was also a hit, reaching number twelve in the UK and number twenty-one in the US.
Rafferty released several more albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but none achieved the same level of success as City to City. He also wrote and produced music for other artists, including Van Morrison and Roger Daltrey.
Rafferty’s later years were marked by personal struggles, including alcoholism and depression. He died in 2011 at the age of 63.
Rafferty’s music has been praised for its melodic and lyrical sophistication, and he is remembered as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, including Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, and The Corrs. His legacy lives on in the music of today, and his songs continue to be played on radio stations around the world.