4 Hits By Artists You Didn’t Know Were Scottish

Scotland contains some of the most beautiful countryside that the UK has to offer. It’s scenic and inspiring, which is why Paul McCartney decided to buy and renovate a ranch there. McCartney found his High Park Farm to be a profound place of personal, creative refuge. With this, it’s no surprise that Scotland is the homeland of many artists you may not realize are from there. From Gerry Rafferty to Donovan, here are 4 hits from artists you didn’t know were Scottish.

“Year Of The Cat” by Al Stewart

Al Stewart was born on September 5, 1945 in Greenock, Remfrewshire, Scotland. Though he grew up in Wimborne, Dorset, England, his roots run back to Scotland. His music career began in 1967, and seven studio albums later, he earned his best-known hit. His 1976 hit “Year Of The Cat,” from the album of the same name, peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although not his biggest hit, it quickly became Al Stewart’s signature track. “Time Passages” reached No. 7 on the Hot 100 two years later. “Year Of The Cat” contains lyrics about the film Casablanca, and was lyrically inspired by Bob Dylan. The idea for the track came to Stewart when he noticed a Vietnamese astrology book open to a page titled “The Year Of The Cat.”

“Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty

Gerry Rafferty first found success with the group Stealers Wheel, formed in 1972. The Scottish group is best known for their 1973 hit, “Stuck In The Middle With You.” The band was centered around Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty, and disbanded in 1975. Gerry Rafferty embarked on a solo career, and earned a hit on his second studio album. “Baker Street,” from his City To City album, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. Though it became Rafferty’s signature hit, it wasn’t his only. He penned a No. 12 hit on the Hot 100 with “Right Down The Line” from the same album.

“Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis

In 2006, The Fratellis released their debut album Costello Music. The Scottish indie-rock band earned a hit with their song “Chelsea Dagger,” becoming a party anthem. It peaked at No. 2 on the Scotland Singles chart, and reached No. 5 on the UK Singles chart. Though the track didn’t chart in the US, it’s been used for many shows and sports teams throughout the years. The US hockey team, the Chicago Blackhawks, has been using the song for their goal celebration since the 2007-08 season.

“Sunshine Superman” by Donovan

Donovan emerged from the British folk scene in the 1960s. He was often dubbed the “British Dylan,” though many may not realize Donovan was specifically Scottish. Donovan’s songwriting became the foundation of the flower power era in the 1960s. His 1966 hit “Sunshine Superman” was written after meeting Linda Lawrence on the set of Ready Steady Go! in 1965. It’s a love song he had written for the woman who became his wife. Donovan performed the entire Sunshine Superman album at his 40th wedding anniversary at the historic Royal Albert Hall, at his wife Linda’s request.

Additionally, the 1966 hit features future Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. Donovan can be heard whispering “Hello John, Hello Paul” at the end of the track. Another future Led Zeppelin member recorded with Donovan the next year, as drummer John Bonham was featured on Hurdy Gurdy Man. “Sunshine Superman” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the US Cashbox Top 100. It also peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles chart.