Gerry Rafferty first came to attention of US audiences as a member of Stealer’s Wheel, whose "Stuck In The Middle With You" was a Top 10 hit in 1972. Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, his mother taught him traditional Scottish and Irish songs when he was young, and like most kids around the world he followed The Beatles and Bob Dylan when they were popular. He joined a group called The Humblebums in 1969; another member of that band was comedian Billy Connolly. When that broke up, he recorded his first solo album, 1971’s Can I Have My Money Back? He and Joe Egan formed Stealer’s Wheel in 1972, and when that partnership dissolved he recorded his second solo album, City To City, in 1978. He died in early January 2011 with ten albums to his credit.
- Baker Street: Gerry’s first big hit as a solo artist, from his 1978 album City To City. this reached #2 in the US (stuck behind Andy Gibb’s "Shadow Dancing"), #3 in the UK, and was a Top 10 hit through most of the rest of the world.
- Right Down The Line: Gerry’s other major hit in the US, where it reached #12 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In Canada, it reached #5 on both RPM’s Hot singles and Adult Contemporary charts. This was also from City To City.
- Night Owl: This did very well in the UK, reaching #5 there, but wasn’t released in North America. It was the title track from his 1979 album.
- Days Gone Down: Also from Night Owl, this charted only in the US and Canada, where it replaced "Night Owl." It reached #17 on the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
- Get It Right Next Time: His last single to chart in the US, it reached #21 on the Hot 100 but #15 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Gerry Rafferty, your Five For Friday, September 18, 2020.
Baker Street feels like magic when I hear it.
LikeLike
“Baker Street” and “Right Down The Line” have been consistent favorites since they were released.
LikeLike
They are…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baker Street is excellent…I also liked the other big single Right Down the Line.
LikeLike
Those two were excellent. I almost like “Right Down The Line” better….
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are…heck Baker Street took care of him for the rest of his life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
good picks,blogger is being a royal pain in the ass.and I tried to do the 5 on friday here on WordPress and the new format is even more frustrating to me,than blogger.
LikeLike
They’ve both decided they don’t want us bloggers around, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep!
LikeLike
Love the tunes and who doesn’t love Baker Street which is one of the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right Down The Line…yes, yes!! Happy Friday, John. Thought of you earlier this month when I saw the score of the blowout Atlanta game. 29 runs! I thought our Giants 23 was big.
LikeLike
Baker Street has always been a favorite of mine and another one I hear frequently on 97.1.
LikeLike
City to City and Night Owl are fantastic albums.
LikeLike
They are at that.
LikeLike
I hear Baker Street and I am 18 again,,,
LikeLike
I know the feeling, though I was in my mid-20’s.
LikeLike
I’ve always loved his sound. My favourite song was not a hit as a single, at least as far as I know. It’s on Mark Knopfler’s Local Hero soundtrack called The Way It Always Starts. Between the lyrics and Rafferty’s voice…it gets me every time.
LikeLike
I’ve heard of that. I’ll have to listen to it one day.
LikeLike
Hi John – it’s been interesting finding out a bit more about him … the song I really know is ‘Baker Street’ – which is wonderful … talented … sad he died tragically. Take care – Hilary
LikeLike
He was very popular here for a while, then fell off everyone’s radar.
LikeLike
I love the Night Owl Album 😍
LikeLike
I have to give it a listen.
LikeLike
It is fantastic
LikeLike