Gerry Rafferty Artistfacts

April 16, 1947 - January 4, 2011
In 1969 Gerry Rafferty became the third member of a folk-pop group, The Humblebums, which was also composed of Billy Connolly and Tam Harvey. Billy Connolly would later find fame as a comedian and comic actor. Harvey left shortly afterwards, and Rafferty and Connolly continued as a duo, recording two albums for Transatlantic Records.
The Humblebums disbanded in 1970 and Rafferty remained with Transatlantic for a solo album released in 1971, before forming Stealers Wheel the following year. He left them after recording their debut LP, although he was persuaded back when "Stuck In The Middle With You" hit the US and UK Top 10s.
Stealers Wheel disbanded in 1975 and legal issues after the break-up meant that, for three years, Rafferty was unable to release any material. He eventually resurfaced as a successful solo artist in 1978, achieving five US Top 40 hits, including "Baker Street," the song he is most identified with.
In 1970 Rafferty married Carla Ventilla, a hairdresser from an Italian family in Clydebank, Scotland. They had a daughter, Martha, who was the inspiration for the City to City track "Mattie's Rag."
Rafferty had enjoyed alcohol from a young age, but a growing drinking problem placed his marriage under an intolerable strain and Carla divorced him in 1990.
Rafferty died at his daughter Martha's home on January 4, 2011 of liver failure, aged 63.
Martha sang her father's song "Whatever's Written in Your Heart" alongside five other family members at his funeral in his hometown of Paisley on January 21, 2011.

Comments: 3

Me Again from Down UnderGreat man
Mistyg from Malibu CaThis man is so special for many reasons however the main one for me is his music brings a feeling so sensual Passionate and keeps me present. His music moves through my soul in such a way that I never grow tired of his melodies.
Rocky from Somewhere In Alabama : )I have always loved Rafferty. I have some idea of the demons, life conflicts and so forth that he must have faced. I am an adult child of an alcoholic and used to work as a counselor. Genius comes to us in many forms and this man was way ahead of his time. I listen to his music almost everyday. "I really miss the Man". Thanks for all of the songs Gerry...

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