Gerry Rafferty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerry Rafferty
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Rafferty performing at Dublin's National Stadium in 1980
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gerald Rafferty |
| Born | 16 April 1947 Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
| Died | 4 January 2011 (aged 63) Stroud, Gloucestershire, England |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, bass guitar |
| Years active | 1965–2011 |
| Labels | Transatlantic, United Artists, Liberty, London, Avalanche Records, Hypertension |
| Associated acts | The Humblebums, Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan |
Gerald Rafferty (born 16 April 1947 – died 4 January 2011) was a famous Scottish singer, songwriter, and musician. He also produced music for other artists. He was a founding member of the band Stealers Wheel. Their biggest hit song was "Stuck in the Middle with You" in 1973.
Later, Gerry Rafferty had many solo hits in the late 1970s. These included "Baker Street", "Right Down the Line", and "Night Owl". He grew up in a working-class family in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. His mother taught him traditional Scottish and Irish folk songs. He was also inspired by bands like the Beatles and singer Bob Dylan.
In 1969, he joined a folk-pop group called the Humblebums with comedian Billy Connolly. After that group ended, he released his first solo album, Can I Have My Money Back?, in 1971. In 1972, Rafferty and Joe Egan formed Stealers Wheel. They had several popular songs, especially "Stuck in the Middle with You". In 1978, Gerry released his second solo album, City to City, which featured his most famous song, "Baker Street".
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Gerry Rafferty was born on 16 April 1947 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. He came from a working-class family. His father worked as a miner and a lorry driver. He passed away when Gerry was 16 years old.
Gerry grew up in a local council house in Paisley. He went to St Mirin's Academy for school. From a young age, he learned many Irish and Scottish folk songs. He loved listening to his mother sing these traditional tunes. He was also greatly influenced by the music of the Beatles and Bob Dylan. These artists inspired him to start writing his own songs.
Starting a Music Career
After leaving school in 1963, Gerry Rafferty worked different jobs. He worked in a butcher's shop, as a clerk, and in a shoe shop. But he always knew music was his true calling. He once said, "There was never anything else for me but music."
On weekends, Gerry and his friend Joe Egan played in a local band called the Maverix. They mostly played popular songs by groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. In the mid-1960s, Gerry even earned money by playing music in the London Underground. In 1966, Gerry and Joe were part of a band called the Fifth Column. They released a single, but it wasn't a big hit.
The Humblebums and Stealers Wheel
In 1969, Gerry Rafferty joined a folk-pop group called the Humblebums. The group included comedian Billy Connolly and Tam Harvey. Tam Harvey left soon after. Gerry and Billy continued as a duo. They recorded two more albums together.
After the Humblebums broke up in 1971, Gerry signed a solo record deal. He recorded his first solo album, Can I Have My Money Back?. Critics liked the album, calling it "high-grade folk-rock." However, it did not sell many copies. Around this time, Gerry discovered a book called The Outsider. This book was about feeling disconnected from society. It greatly influenced his songwriting and his view of the world. Gerry often wrote songs about feeling like an "outsider."
In 1972, Gerry teamed up with Joe Egan again to form Stealers Wheel. They recorded three albums. The band faced some legal problems, but they had a huge hit song called "Stuck in the Middle with You". This song was very popular and received good reviews. Years later, the song was used in the 1992 movie Reservoir Dogs. Stealers Wheel also had other hits like "Star". The band broke up in 1975.
City to City and Night Owl Success
After Stealers Wheel broke up, Gerry Rafferty had legal issues. For three years, he could not release any new music. Once these problems were solved in 1978, he recorded his second solo album, City to City. This album included his most famous song, "Baker Street".
His record label was unsure about releasing "Baker Street" as a single. They thought it was "too good for the public." But they were wrong! The song became a massive hit. It reached No. 3 in the UK and No. 2 in the US. The City to City album sold over 5.5 million copies. It even topped the charts in the US. Gerry felt this was his first real success.
"Baker Street" is known for its unique saxophone solo. The saxophone was played by Raphael Ravenscroft. Gerry Rafferty said he sang the melody to the sax player. He wanted to make sure people knew he wrote the tune. When a new version of City to City was released in 2011, it included an early demo of the song. This demo showed Gerry playing the saxophone melody on an electric guitar. This proved he created the famous tune.
"Baker Street" is still played a lot on the radio today. It has been played over 5 million times worldwide. Gerry once said that "Baker Street" earned him a lot of money each year. He never allowed the song to be used in advertisements, even though he received many offers.
"Right Down the Line" was another hit from City to City. It reached No. 12 on the US charts. It was also No. 1 on the adult contemporary charts for four weeks. The album's third single, "Home and Dry", reached No. 28 in the US.
Gerry Rafferty's next album, Night Owl, also did very well. The title track became a UK No. 5 hit in 1979. Other songs like "Days Gone Down" and "Get It Right Next Time" also made it into the Top 40 charts in the US and UK.
Later Albums
Later albums, such as Snakes and Ladders (1980), Sleepwalking (1982), and North and South (1988), were not as popular. Gerry often felt uncomfortable performing live. This might have been one reason for the change.
In 1982, Gerry tried a different approach with his album Sleepwalking. He used new sounds like synthesizers and drum machines. The album had a harder, less acoustic sound. The songs on Sleepwalking were very personal. They showed that Gerry found success to be difficult. Songs like "Standing at the Gates" suggested he felt tired and was looking for a new direction.
In 1983, Gerry announced he would take a break from music. He wanted to spend more time with his family. He said he had been traveling the world but not truly seeing it. He wanted to work at his own pace. He built a recording studio at his home and worked mostly by himself. In 1987, he helped produce the first UK hit single "Letter from America" for The Proclaimers.
In the early 1990s, Gerry recorded a cover of Bob Dylan's song "The Times They Are a-Changin'" with Barbara Dickson. This song appeared on her albums.
On a Wing and a Prayer and Over My Head
Gerry Rafferty released two more albums in the 1990s. These were On a Wing and a Prayer (1992) and Over My Head (1994). On On a Wing and a Prayer, he worked again with his Stealers Wheel partner, Joe Egan. He also wrote some songs with his brother, Jim. On Over My Head, he recorded a new version of an old song from his Humblebums days. These were the last two albums he produced with his long-time producer, Hugh Murphy, who passed away in 1998.
Another World and Life Goes On
By the late 1990s, new technology allowed Gerry Rafferty to work more independently. He set up his own mobile recording studio. He recorded his album Another World in different countries. He worked with musicians he had collaborated with before. He sold the album directly to fans through his own website.
Another World, released in 2000, was first sold only through his website. Gerry felt he had grown as an artist. He said he didn't want to talk to young record executives. He wanted to connect with his older audience. He believed the internet allowed him to share his music directly with his fans.
In November 2009, Gerry Rafferty released his final album, Life Goes On. This album had 18 tracks. It included new songs, Christmas carols, and traditional songs.
After His Passing
Gerry Rafferty passed away in January 2011. His daughter, Martha, relaunched his old website. It included his music, rare photos, and new artwork. She described her father as a self-taught person who loved to read. He had many books on philosophy, art, and religion.
In September 2011, a special remastered version of City to City was released. It included demo versions of "Baker Street" and other songs. Other artists continue to be inspired by Gerry's music. In 2012, Bonnie Raitt recorded a version of "Right Down the Line." In 2013, Barbara Dickson released a tribute album of Gerry's songs.
On 3 September 2021, an album called "Rest In Blue" was released. Gerry's daughter, Martha, finished this project. It was based on blues, rock, and folk demos that Gerry had started before he passed away.
His View on the Music Industry
Gerry Rafferty believed there was a big difference between being a true artist and being a celebrity. He felt uncomfortable with fame. He said, "If you feel uncomfortable with it you shouldn't do it."
The Proclaimers' Charlie Reid said that Gerry was a very sensitive person. He felt that fame was probably not good for him. Billy Connolly agreed, saying Gerry wanted his talent and songs to be respected, not just to be famous.
Gerry often wrote about his feelings about the music industry in his songs. He refused to tour the United States. He generally did not want to "play the industry game." He was skeptical about the music industry and society in general. He came from a background of Scottish socialism and poverty. He was not impressed by the glamour of success.
Gerry Rafferty never changed his mind about the music business. He believed in staying true to his art.
Personal Life
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In 1965, Gerry Rafferty met Carla Ventilla. They married in 1970. They lived in Scotland with their daughter, Martha Mary. Later, they moved to the south of England. Gerry's long commutes between London and Scotland inspired some of his songs. These included "City to City" and "Mattie's Rag." Gerry and Carla divorced in 1990.
After finishing his album Another World in 2000, Gerry planned to move back to Scotland. He bought a large house in the village of Strathpeffer. However, he sold the property two years later and never actually moved in.
Passing Away
In November 2010, Gerry Rafferty was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. He was treated for multiple organ failure. He passed away on 4 January 2011, at the age of 63, at his daughter Martha's home in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
A special church service was held for Gerry in his hometown of Paisley, Renfrewshire on 21 January 2011. Many politicians and musicians attended. These included The Proclaimers, Joe Egan, Rab Noakes, and Barbara Dickson. His long-time friend John Byrne gave a speech. Gerry's remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered on Iona. He is survived by his daughter, granddaughter Celia, and brother Jim.
Tributes and Legacy
Many newspapers wrote about Gerry Rafferty after he passed away. The Times newspaper said he was a very talented singer and songwriter. They said his music had a "sensitivity and an enviable melodic flair."
Other famous people also shared their thoughts. Comedian and former bandmate Billy Connolly called him "a hugely talented songwriter and singer." Musician Tom Robinson said Gerry's early work inspired many songwriters in the 1970s. Charlie Reid of The Proclaimers said Gerry successfully combined folk and popular music. He was respected in both music styles. Barbara Dickson called him a "luminous, glorious Scottish musician."
Younger artists have also been inspired by Gerry's music. Singer Lily Allen shared a video of "Right Down the Line," calling it one of her favorite songs. Electropop star Elly Jackson said "Right Down the Line" was her favorite song of all time.
In November 2012, Gerry's hometown of Paisley honored him. They named a street "Gerry Rafferty Drive." This was a tribute to his amazing music. In January 2013, BBC Radio 2 re-broadcast a program about Gerry. It featured many artists performing his songs. In October 2013, a book about Gerry Rafferty called Stuck in the Middle with Gerry Rafferty was released.
Discography
Studio albums
- Can I Have My Money Back? (1971)
- City to City (1978)
- Night Owl (1979)
- Snakes and Ladders (1980)
- Sleepwalking (1982)
- North and South (1988)
- On a Wing and a Prayer (1992)
- Over My Head (1994)
- Another World (2000)
- Life Goes On (2009)
- Rest in Blue (2021)
See also
In Spanish: Gerry Rafferty para niños
