'Baker Street' Singer Gerry Rafferty Seriously Ill With Kidney Failure

With Baker Street parked on the airwaves, I cleaned cars in a rental joint near the San Francisco airport. It was 1978 and I had left New York a year earlier with the hope of finding my voice as a musician in the Bay Area, but crappy apartments, no food or friends sent me packing.

The things that stuck with me in the face of failure were Gerry and his brilliant tune. I took solace in the words and found inspiration in the music.

Three years later,as fate would have it, I found myself (along with two musicians I met during the by-the-Bay-disaster)in Chipping Norton, England recording our first record for EMI. Why does that matter, you ask? Well, we were sharing studio time with Gerry. It turned out we also shared producers. When I saw boxes of multi-track tapes labeled "Gerry Rafferty" lining the wall, I knew I had come full circle.

He was a great guy, a wonderful musician and fabulous story teller. He will be missed.

Scott
Our Daughters Wedding

I just heard the sad news that Mr. Rafferty has passed away. So sad.

Loved the singles, but I loved the album tracks even more. He is DEEP and has a great musical sensibility. I wish I could spend an evening in a pub with GR, but...uhh, I guess that's out now.

Recover quickly, America loves you!

Dearest Gerry,
If by some small chance you read these, I thought I'd add my 2cents. I have always and to this day, listen to your music almost daily. Bakers Sreet is not your best. You have so many. I've introduced many people to you over the yrs. and will cotinue to do so. Hope you get back on your feet soon. Should it not work out that way- please know that you are loved. Cherised even! If you should leave this world, you'll be in excellent company and we'll see you on the flip side my friend and inspiration! Love you long time!!

I'm praying with all my heart that you get better & pull through Gerry
You are such a wonderful singer & songwriter the best in the world.Stuck In The Middle With you is my all time favorite song & you are my all time favorite musician.May god heel you & save your precious life
God bless Bruce

Gerry:

My thoughts and prayers are with you...be strong and recover fully my friend. You have truly been a great inspiration to me and countless other musicians around the world.

I have always included some of your songs in my nightly shows for over 35 years, Stuck in the middle, and Star (my favourite). Hope you get better soon and live happily for a very long time to come.

From a friend you've never met...Hal Bruce

Have my lighter burning and replaying the song and honoring him. One of the few songs I have on my IPod that I play the drums along with. My best to you and thanks for your music.

I listen to an oldies station that plats 60s thru 80s pop/rock. Every now and then Baker Street gets played. Alcoholism is a heck of a way to kill yourself. Still, if caught in time, it can be fought like any other addiction. Let's hope J.R. pulls through.

A true 70's ICON, whos' sound will never fade away. All of our thoughts and prayers to you and your family

When I hear Bakers Street it takes me back to Pompano Beach Fla.June 1978. On vacation in Pompano Beach the song Bakers Street was everywhere.The band playing at the Playpen South Bar in Ft. Lauderdale played Bakers Street every night and the response was huge every time. One of our last nights there, at the hotel very late at night, probably 4:00 a.m, I went to the to car get something. I could faintly hear Bakers Street. In the distance I could see a lone car on the road coming toward me. The closer it got the louder Bakers Street got.I remember smiling as the car sped past me blaring Bakers Street on the stereo and everyone in the car singing at the top of their lungs. Those are two great memories of that vacation. I can't hear Bakers Street without smiling a little bit and fondly thinking about the summer of 1978. Thank you Gerry Rafferty for being a huge part of the sound track of one of the best vacations of my life. God Bless and get well soon Gerry.