Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Gerry Rafferty R.I.P.

“Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish singer-songwriter who had hits in the late '70s with the street life anthem "Baker Street" and mom favorite "Right Down the Line," passed away at the age of 63 following a long illness, the Guardian reports. Rafferty also left his mark with later generations, thanks to Quentin Tarantino: With the band Stealers Wheel, Rafferty co-wrote the song "Stuck in the Middle," a potent hit on its own that took legendary status thanks to its iconic and gruesome placement in "Reservoir Dogs."
The last few years had been difficult for Rafferty, as he struggled to stay out of the spotlight while shooting down false reports of his early demise. Rafferty was the product of a rough childhood and struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which undoubtedly contributed to the liver failure Rafferty suffered in his last year. Even though he'd been out of the public eye, every time music fans hear "Baker Street" in a supermarket or classic rock station, they don't hesitate to think, "Damn, that sax solo is amazing. Check out the Guardian for a comprehensive look back at Rafferty's life, troubles and body of work.”
I remember as a kid playing my drums while Stealers Wheel and Rafferty belted out “Stuck in the Middle” from my parents’ stereo. Sixty-three seems younger and younger.
Onward. Raffertyless.
ADG II

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