Rafferty

About

Gerry Rafferty built his reputation on a knack for melodic songwriting that cut through without ever feeling showy. His 1978 album City to City gave the world Baker Street, a song so instantly recognisable that its saxophone riff alone became a cultural shorthand. That track reached number three in the UK charts and nine in the Netherlands, making Rafferty one of the more quietly influential figures to come out of Scotland. Before going solo he had form in groups, first as part of the duo The Humblebums with a young Billy Connolly, then as a founding member of Stealers Wheel, whose Stuck in the Middle with You became a genuine seventies classic. Night Owl followed City to City and also sold well, though Rafferty famously refused to promote his records with live appearances, a stubbornness that gradually cost him momentum over the years.