The Life & Death of GERRY RAFFERTY

Explore the captivating journey of Gerry Rafferty, from his humble beginnings in Paisley to his rise to fame as a celebrated musician. Delve into his iconic hits like "Baker Street" and the challenges he faced throughout his career, including personal struggles. Witness the story of a true musical icon whose legacy continues to resonate today.

[@ministerofdarkness]

If I wanna go back to the 70s. " Baker Street " is my time machine. RIP Gerry.

[@MG-jw6uy]

I say that everyday!

[@MW15962]

It stops me in my tracks every time.

[@bongodave13]

I'll never forget hearing that on the radio when it came out. That sax! Then the guitar comes out screaming right after it! That song was a showy rollercoaster, like Bohemian Rhapsody, Stairway to Heaven, Paradise by the Dashboard Light, Total Eclipse of the Heart, and others, that took you on a musical, symphonic journey. They weren't just pop songs, they were epics. Modern pop is more formulaic. Like the man said, they just don't write 'em like that anymore.

[@dalhousiekid]

@@user-bf2cv9xo7xit died with Clarence Clemmons😢

[@dalhousiekid]

THAT. SAX. 🤯

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

That album in '78 marked a brilliant time in my life. To this day when Baker Street comes on the radio it throws me back in time.

[@talonanthony]

It's great how music can do that.

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@byrnc927]

And I thought I was alone with those thoughts in 1978...

[@jammyb90]

👍👍

[@josephtabar492]

That's the year I went into foster care. Now I am 60 ouch! 😂

[@daviecanning1180]

Gerry Rafferty was a fantastic singer songwriter. Especially his album " City to City" a classic.

[@larschristensen9367]

YES! 👍

[@luckygibbo1]

I don't think he realised how talented he was 😢

[@richardmurphy4520]

" Home And Dry " is a great track from this album too.

[@daviecanning1180]

Island is my own personal favourite. Probably helped by the fantastic saxophone.👍

[@thetruth-bf6je]

Timeless classic❤️🙏🇮🇪

[@rolandsolomon7728]

It's been said that Rafferty didn't think he was anything special. Well, I did. And he did surround himself with some great musicians. And I thought he had one of the smoothest, soothing male voices on the planet. I also have three of his most successful albums. Alcohol or not, you are sorely missed. RIP Gerry!

[@zenos.5315]

His songs take me back to some of the best times of my life, Thank You….R.I.P.

[@markwinter8315]

Aye, and me 👍

[@austake]

He was a truly great artist...A genius really.

[@jamesgeorge4874]

"Whatever's written in your heart, that's all that matters" Gerry Rafferty.

[@DubheMedia1]

What a song.

[@xjamis]

Magical Song

[@lesliemccarthy6845]

@@xjamis brillint

[@Stu-SB]

Raphael Ravenscroft played Sax on Baker Street, what a timeless classic.

[@jamescarter3196]

He was paid with a check for about 30 pounds as I recall, and it bounced.

[@johnjoeflanagan]

Making a record that does not age is the pinnacle of success for any artist; it will be played around the world and always sound fresh. Thank you Gerry.

[@colindeer4908]

One of my favourite singer/songwriters of all time is Gerry Rafferty. Such a golden voice. And such immensely powerful lyrics. I used to think, " if only I could say so much by saying so little ". In his songwriting, he was a brilliant observer of the emotions and all the highs and lows of extreme living and needs and longings of being human, strengths and frailty. All of his music was in a league of its own. A master.

[@markmiwurdz2248]

@colindeer4908. Thank you for your comment sir. I don’t think I could have put that any better. Many thanks from a big Gerry Rafferty fan. Stay safe and well.

[@kavousniamir2375]

Definitely, one of the best song writers of the 20th century. His music will live on!

[@douglasolomon5191]

When I went in the Peace Corps I took a radio/cassette player and tapes with me. Gerry Rafferty was one of those tapes I would play over and over. He kept me company in the sub saharan desert

[@wideawakenotwoke6178]

My friend Iain Campbell who played bass guitar in Stealers Wheel. He was the person mentioned in and lived in "Baker Street" he's gone now ❤

[@raymondbonington9355]

Joe egan sadly passed away over the weekend .

[@kentdouglass1001]

Baker Street my favorite. I was 18 in 1978.

[@Doug-nr3gh]

Me too ! I loved the sax break on this great song ! ( Raphael Ravenscroft ) :

[@annelisebroberg7051]

me too

[@SuperAnimelover100]

I hope Gerry is in peace now ! Thanks for this one. : :)

[@davidgoosen1633]

When you're dead you know nothing because you are dead

[@kimablett7447]

Just love Baker Street, the song never dates and always, always takes me back to my youth...thank you Gerry, RIP.

[@gaylasmith5279]

Was at University the first time I heard "Baker Street". Literally had to pull my car over and just absorb the song. It was so brilliant! When I hear it now, I am immediately propelled back to that moment. Such nostalgia. Had followed Rafferty's career through the years, but " City to City " was stellar to me. Still is. Thank you for this informative post!

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

[@morrisanderson3180]

been a fan since stealers wheel, great artist sorely missed.

[@mikefellows3901]

This guy wrote the soundtrack of my childhood and youth, beautiful times , even more beautiful songs and melodies ! A true musician and artist. God bless Gerry !

[@dontrapani7778]

He was a very talented musician with an instantly-recognizable voice, and I was saddened to hear of his death back then. He was definitely too young to leave us and doubtless had much more music to create. But the photos provided in this video seem to hint at a man with serious internal issues. Some of the group photos have everyone smiling except Gerry, who looks like he can't wait for the photoshoot to be over. May he rest in peace.

[@Doug-nr3gh]

I think g.r. struggled with heavy drinking

[@JESUS-SAVES_1975.]

Such a talented song writer. And that voice...so smooth!

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

Gerry R. was an absolutely brilliant Singer/Songwriter the Pop music scene may never see again...His music haunts me even today as much as it did when i first got wind of him back in the late 70s.... Dearly missed.

[@pcno2832]

"Used to think that it was so easy. But you're trying, you're trying, now."

[@TheJeffShadowShow]

Simply a PURE soundtrack from 1978 to 1982.

[@flyteoffancy]

I love almost every song he ever wrote, and the album North & South is in my top 3 favourite albums. A masterful songwriter with an incredible voice.

[@dennisadams2240]

Moonlight and Gold is fantastic.

[@muffassa6739]

😢😢😢 so very sad, he was a great Artist of song .we always had good memories of him. My neighbor and I would play his music really loud and drive everyone around us crazy LOL. RIP dear sir we miss you 😢😢😢

[@blairkerr7911]

Such a talented guy,Baker St.was such a classic. Many can relate to that song.R.I.P.

[@hullygully1135]

Very interesting, I had a lot of music by Gerry and am said to say I too was struggling with alcohol problems at the time but luckily I came through it, RIP Gerry.

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

My favorite Rafferty song has always been "Whatever's Written In Your Heart". Just beautiful. Wish he hadn't double tracked his voice so much though.

[@jwelsje]

I was never a big Raferty fan, but I loved Steelers Wheel. Song like Lata Again and The Benedictions made my day. From the City To City Album, I loved The Arc.

[@MrRugbyloosehead]

Baker Street the instant classic that it turned out to be once it hit the radio back in '78 as it played out one of the most reconizable saxaphone riffs in pop music history! Thank-you R.I.P.Gerry❤

[@keithdavison5578]

What a miss i just love his music but never see him perform 😢

[@donyeager1607]

Baker Street brings back fond memories

[@donnawaldron3261]

Shy, amazing singer. I baught loads of his albums, love Night Owl.

[@jclar7210]

I discovered Gerry Rafferty 's music about 8 years ago and the music has helped me in many ways, his voice is angelic

[@Harley-ir4er]

I recall reading that the artist who played the famous Saxophone on Baker Street received a cheque for £25 and the cheque bounced. Referty went on to take £85,000 annually in royalities from this song.

[@rootytuners]

Wikipedia cites a BBC radio interview with the saxophonist, whereby he denies this widely-spread rumor.

[@paulheald3100]

Gerry was a gifted singer / songwriter, and liked to do things his way because he knew it was the right thing to do, sadly missed but never could be forgotten ❤

[@SuperVictoralex]

Mate, you should be very proud of the channel that you are building. I have watched many of your well presented and researched tributes but this one affected me deeply. So many artists that fall down this path of substance abuse should warrant the raising of more than a few eyebrows. Keep up the great content.

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you so much! Your comment means the world to me 🥰 I'm so glad you are enjoying the content. I remember hearing Baker Street the first time and it moved me so much, still to this day I feel the same way hearing it ❤ It's rare to feel that way with most music. He was such a gifted musician, feel so sad he suffered so much internally 😥 Thank you again for your kind words ❤

[@michaelgallant2623]

This clip came just on time…since I heard Right Down The Line a few days ago…was wondering about him…Thanks for fill in the Blanks…Ooo My. Thanks Gerry.

[@davidcarson1959]

We couldn't keep City to City in stock when I was working at Camelot Music. We would play it several times a day. Great memories! Thanks

[@iancoulton141]

Night Owl, a fantastic album

[@juliemcmeekin2095]

i knew gerry when i lived in paisley last time i saw him we travelled from glasgow to london on the train 1974 he told me of the legal problems . he said he would not be making anything until he got out of a contract nice guy. sadly missed.

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

What a lovely memory 🥰 Thank you so much for sharing and for watching ❤

[@Doug-nr3gh]

You were lucky to have met him ... A complex musician and a very talented song writer

[@jeffreyallen9626]

Rip brother loved your music🙏❤️😞

[@user-hn3lc6jt2j]

Foo Fighters did a cover of Bakers Street I Rember the summer of 78 I was 8 years old & I loved it.

[@tartanrocker5926]

My papa was a miner as well, and these people were the salt of the earth....that makes Rafferty a kindred spirit to me, and with Billy Connolly, he got some recognition.....after he and Connolly split, he did the iconic "Baker Street", and it just went on from there....listen to his "City to City" album, and pay attention to the lyrics....what a FANTASTIC songwriter.....

[@boydmking1]

Addictions are spiritual possession. That is why they are so hard to quit on your own? I quit with God's help staying away from my friends for months in the beginning. After that, I had too much to lose, to ever start over again. Never went to AA. Going on 7 years now. Never felt better, physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. You can do it to!

[@gardensofthegods]

Makes me sad that Gerry Rafferty suffered from alcoholism ... 63 is far too young to pass away when you live in a modern country . I hope he finally has peace now .

[@merson812]

RIP Gerry.

[@scottbrowning4553]

There are millions if not billions of musicians out there. But there's only a handful of those millions whose music stands the test of time. Gerry Rafferty happens to be one of them, even though he may not have seen it while he was still alive. His classic, "Baker Street" I would say is groundbreaking. Rest in peace Gerry.

[@iankuah8606]

In 2020, Gerry's daughter Martha, set out to create a fresh posthumous album as a tribute to her late father. Rest in Blue was a mix of unreleased material recorded before Gerry's passing combined with some of his demo material going back to the '70s. Significant input to some of the new and revised songs came from Gerry's old music partner, Pawel Rosak, sole survivor of the '90s trio that comprised Gerry, Hugh Murphy, and Pawel. "Rest in Blue' was released on 3rd September 2021 to critical acclaim.

[@Al-iv3mb]

I remember where I was when I heard that Gerry had passed away-delivering the mail in the Devon village of Abbotskerswell. My memories go back to the late 60s when my dad, in our new home in Hamilton, told me he had been to see a terrific folk group called the Humblebums. I never met Gerry, but years later I did, albeit briefly, meet the Big Yin. Gerry fell foul of that awful drug so many of us Scots love and fear. There is no shame in that, and certainly he gave such joy to so many millions around the world.

[@jimviv6030]

I know exactly where I was the first time I heard Baker Street. Love it to this day.

[@aldonapolitano5979]

Informative and respectful report. Thanks.

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you 😁

[@goodun2974]

Sheryl Crow's hit "All I wanna Do" is, shall we say, strongly reminiscent of "Stuck in the Middle With You".

[@OspreyFlyer]

Hadn't noticed the connection. Wow.

[@alicewatt416]

Me neither,but come to think of it, you're right

[@danielreiss1156]

What a Great Guitar Solo that is in Baker Street, every time I hear it I'm amazed. I didn't know Gerry was deceased, wow!

[@AmericanCitizen-nf9xc]

This guy was an amazing talent!!!

[@rkmklz7562]

Struck in the Middle with you was a real George Harrison style song 😮...we still love it today

[@raymondbonington9355]

Co writer Joe Egan sadly passed away Friday.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

Just this morning I was listening to one of his CDs.

[@barbarahalkyard1901]

Very underestimated. Great singer and song writer.

[@josephtabar492]

I always perked up when the lead 🎸 kicked in with a killer lead line, so full of pain and blues... RIP Gerry Rafferty

[@janefriel6895]

Birthday today. RIP Gerry Rafferty. He was a musical genius.

[@georgesturdy7040]

Rock music legend

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Clearly Gerry was a tortured genius . Thanks for the brilliant music Gerry !

[@Theguys1]

No, he was just a drunk!

[@DeidreL9]

Baker Street holds so many memories for me! I grew up in the seventies and eighties, his music was everywhere. You bring these peoples’ lives into beautiful focus for us, it’s just wonderful. I’ve been hesitant listening to this because my boyfriend passed seven years ago and Right Down The Line was a song he said was about me. Music can hold so much of our lives in it! And Rafferty’s voice was perfect. The lines in Baker Street…just one more year and then you’ll be happy…so relatable and moving. So well done, thank you!

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you as always for your kind words 🥰 Yes music can certainly bring about so many emotions and memories ❤ I remember first hearing Baker Street when I was around 5 yrs old and the words 'one more year and you'll be happy' stuck in my head. I could see why they resonated with so many as life is always challenging even at the best of times. Thank you again for being here, I appreciate you 🤗

[@DeidreL9]

You’re very welcome. I have a lot of videos to catch up on! I’ve been studying so it’s been hit and miss time-wise with assignments but you are on such a roll and your videos are consistently excellent. Looking forward to watching more this weekend :)

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

@@DeidreL9 Sounds like youve got a full plate atm 💯 Good luck with your studies 🥰👍

[@DeidreL9]

@@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv thank you! I’m an artist but I’m studying counselling online, as it’s something I’d love to do. Currently writing about neuroses, lol it’s like reading my diary😂

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

@@DeidreL9 Yes I hear you! 🤣 How lovely you want to help others 🥰 That's awesome, hope it all goes well for you ☺👌

[@EntomologyMajor]

I can't explain in words how much I loved listening to his music, makes a lot of sense he worked at a shoe shop, bc he made a song called "Shoe Shine Boy" In "Can I have my money back"? Which the whole tone of the album is incredible! There's so many good songs by him, and sadly people only talk about "Baker Street and Right Down the Line" He's got hit on hits man! "As Wise as a Serpent" ( my favorite ) The Royal Mile, I see Red, Her father didn't like me anyway, Whatevers written in your heart, The Ark, Patrick, I mean I COULD GO ON AND ON, sorry that's enough yapping from me seriously mean Great video I heavily enjoyed this, thank you!

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you so much! 🥰 I can tell how much he means to you by your knowledge of his work wow 💯❤ Yes he always had a special place in my heart also and just had to do a video on him 🤗 Thank you for being here I appreciate you! 💕

[@scotsexile1]

I first heard Rafferty when he was with the Humblebums. I remember Billy Connolly saying something like "I´m humble and he´s..." then pointing to Gerry. He was a typical product of his Paisley background but he had huge talent, just like another great Scots artist Rabbie Burns.

[@user-sq4jz9up6g]

Baker Street is one of thr grestest songs of the 70s So sad he couldn't give up the booze

[@serfardi]

"It was you, right down the line" used on a girlfriend and she became my wife. 35 years and still, right down the line.❤

[@tundrawomansays694]

Awww, that’s so nice! Wishing you both the very best as you continue your journey.

[@serfardi]

@tundrawomansays694 Thanks friend. Just welcomed our 4 grandson.

[@scubaroo]

to this day i cant listen to days gone down as i was playing it just half an hour before my mum passed away. as much as i love his music , that one just hurts way too much.

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

I'm so sorry to hear that 😥 I feel the same way about the song Living Years. Music can fill you with so many emotions can't it. Take care and thank you for watching 🤗

[@newforestpixie5297]

i live 20 miles from Poole & had never heard of Gerrys’ residency in Upton but am aware how Toyah & Fripp live 28 miles north near Salisbury & the Dire Straits tall Bass player & Knopfler are neighbours along the Solent new forest coast (the picturesque bit where there’s woodland ,marsh ,livestock grazing at the tree studded shingle/sandy shoreline ,panoramic views of downs traversing the western Island ,Cowes,shipping ,sailing & cruise liners & even the Portsmouth skyline at night or sunrise during good vis & not the busy crappy bits along Christchurch Bay with its 1960s residential blocks ,car parks & view only of The Needles because nobody appreciates or notices Purbeck to the west)but Gerry with a song the whole western world above 40 probably recognise went undetected so it could prove how he kept his head down somewhat. Bakers Arms ? The lyrics of Night Owl certainly made his situation very clear & i always loved the solo at the end of the tune. Nice . Thanks mate 😁👍

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day ❤😊❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed it 🥰

[@UriahHeep100]

Lovely tribute to a brilliant and gifted genius!

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you 🥰

[@danielviney]

Wise as a serpent, RIP Jerry you have been a great inspiration in my musical journey as a singer songwriter.

[@DannyRoybal-cz2mh]

Gerry Rafferty Forever Condolences To All And Rest In Peace 😊

[@tinajimenez-spalding6804]

THANK U, I DIDN'T REALIZE HIS PASSING ❣️ I MADE IT THRU MY 20's WITH MR. GERRY RAFFETTY ❣️❣️

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you for watching!

[@annelisebroberg7051]

He was unik, I just feel in love with his songs first time I heard him ❤🙏

[@crimlarksSteve]

I still have and listen to several of his CDs. One of my favorite singer/songwriters and a great talent. Such a sad end to his life.

[@shabadoo24]

Right Down the Line and Home and Dry

[@rickharper3940]

would love to hear the 'baker street' demo! that first solo LP 'can i have my money back' one of my all time faves. joe egan's records were great too...

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. Thank You for this wonderful history on Gerry. Most of which I didn't know till now. He will always be remembered. Best Regards

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you! So happy you enjoyed it 🥰

[@debisybesma5855]

right down the line remains one of my favs from the good ol' days when music WAS music

[@wernersteiner4325]

I love "Days gone down", "Baker Street" and a lot more, but "Moonlight and Gold" from "North & South" is one of the best songs and chord progressions I´ve ever heard in my life. No less ingenious than, say, "Penny Lane".

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

Baker Street has incredible power over listeners. It’s magic.

[@somystery]

I love him.❤

[@ffirstllast3328]

Baker street was about his very own real life struggles. What comes from the heart, finds its way to the heart.

[@lesliemccarthy6845]

my hero greatest siger ever never stop playing his music im 76 rip gery never forgotten

[@felixjones9198]

I always thought Shane Macgowan wrote "Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway". But there you go. GR was a genius.

[@MrHolzheim]

" Mary Skeffington" one of the best emotive tunes I've ever heard.

[@drvee1983]

He rarely gets recognized as a really good guitarist. Sad ending for a talented musician and songwriter... Long live'em.

[@richardgarth5730]

My fave is Days Gone Down

[@derickcraft3437]

One of the greatest musician of 70s, He created music full of melody's, good song writing and classic composition

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

70's Icon ! RIP

[@mikeace5831]

Home and dry. Is my favorite

[@buxvan]

Great video. Thanks.

[@HarmonyHeartsLifestyle-ul5yv]

Thank you, so happy you enjoyed it!

[@williammurray1346]

My favourite is star by stealers wheel the piano solo is sublime

[@jimpuff8409]

Didn’t even even know he passed away . Sad to hear this.

[@veltonmeade1057]

@9:32, that HP steak sauce in the back on the left, one of my favorites. A local grocery store here in Michigan sells, just reminded me that I need to get it, thanks!

[@Peterbrendanalbert]

For those who only know the couple of Proclaimers hits, Go get the album. It's a stunning piece of work.

[@tenthdimension9836]

Oh man those were the days brother!!!

[@Deborah4Antiques]

Love this complex man.

[@woodzeppelin3241]

I had no idea he was Stealer's Wheel. Joe Eagon is singing in the 'Stuck in the Middle' video minus the presence of Gerry Rafferty.

[@markmiwurdz2248]

@woodzeppelin3241. Apparently Gerry had quit the band but as the single had “charted” a promo’ video was needed. So Joe Egan lip - synched over Gerry’s vocal.

[@woodzeppelin3241]

@@markmiwurdz2248 thank you