Baker street star.

RobbieV · by **RobbieV** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:40 pm

Gerry Rafferty,

The Baker Street singer and songwriter Gerry Rafferty has passed away aged 63.

The Scottish musician, best known for his hits Baker Street and Stuck In The Middle With You passed away yestersday after a long illness, aged 63.

He had been admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital last November after a suspected liver failure but never recovered.

Gerry had started out as a singer busking on the London underground in the late 60s before joining a band with future comedian Billy Connolly. He later found success with the soft rock outfit Steeler's Wheels in the early 70s, before branching out to a full-time solo career.

In 1978 he released the album City To City, which contained the track Baker Street - most recognisable for its driving saxophone riff and guitar solo.

Fans paid tribute to the star on twitter, with Nufunk writing: "RIP Gerry Rafferty

Stuck in the Middle With You is one of my favorites (sic)."

Gerry had also endured a long battle with alcohol, which led to the end of his long marriage to wife Carla in 1990. He is also survived by daughter Martha, granddaughter Celia, and his brother Jim.

Speaking about his drinking after their split, Carla said: "There was no hope. I would never have left him if there'd been a glimmer of a chance of him recovering."

Gerry's last album, Another World, was released in 2000.

R.I.P.