Sadly, I am posting to mark the passing of 70s star Gerry Rafferty at the age of 63. It seems th Scotsman had a bit of an issue with drinking, and finally his liver gave out. Rafferty first came to prominence with his first solo single, Baker Street. The album, City To City, also reached #1 on the US album charts, and was certified platinum in sales. The song went to #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was played non-stop on the radio. I remember it being a big part of my senior year soundtrack.
Right Down The Line was the follow up to Baker Street, and it reached #12 on the Hot 100 chart, and #1 on the Hot Adult Contemporary chart. It was the second single from the City To City album.
But the songs were not Rafferty's first trip to the top spot on the charts. In 1972, he was part of the band Stealers Wheel, which he formedwith old friend Joe Egan. The scored a big hit in 1973 with Stuck In The Middle With You. The song made it to #6 on the Billboard singles chart. The song was co-written by Rafferty and Egan. The band, however, was shortlived, and Rafftery had left it before the song hit the charts.
While he continued to work on the music, those were, however, his last songs to make a big splash. He lad long been rumored to be an alcoholic, which took it's toll on both his private and professional lives. He was married in 1970, but divorced in 1990. He leaves a daughter from the marriage. He has been under doctor's care for the last few years. He passed away on January 4, 2011.
I just bought "right down the line"
ReplyDeleteGerry's music and the album City to City is a big part of my memories whilst growing up! Baker Street is still heard on radio today and it remains one of my all time faves....RIP Gerry!
ReplyDeleteWonder Man, nice purchase!
ReplyDeleteSteveA, I hear you. Baker Street still is a staple on the radio.