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Singer Gerry Rafferty passes away

Singer Gerry Rafferty passes away

The singer Gerry Rafferty, best known for his song Baker Street, has died. He was 63.

Mr. Rafferty is understood to have died from a kidney condition.

The singer-songwriter had first tasted success in 1972 with Stuck In The Middle With You which he co-wrote while in the group Stealers Wheel.

But he will always be remembered for Baker Street which was released in 1978 and became a multi-million seller.

Indeed, it was estimated that the single was still earning him an estimated £80,000 a year in royalties up until the time of his death.

The distinctive saxophone riff was played by a session musician who had apparently recorded the piece for a one-off fee of £27. It was later claimed the cheque itself had initially ‘bounced’.

Mr. Baker was born in Paisley, Scotland. 

His first group was called the Humblebums and included Billy Connolly, then an up-and-coming comedian.

Mr. Baker spent time in London where he busked for a time on the Underground – an experience which was to inspire Baker Street.

In recent years the publicity-shy singer had been treated for problems related drinking.

In 2008 he had caused alarm after vanishing from a hospital in London where he was being treated for liver failure. After six months of speculation a statement was then issued to reassure fans that the singer was “extremely well”.

 

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