It wasnt really a problem in the beginning, Martha reflects. That just wasnt his world. He sought treatment and went into detox many times, at these horrendous clinics that exist. Everyone whos heard him like that realises how great he was, and I really wanted to try and capture that., Gerry Raffertys Rest In Blue is released by Parlophone on 3 September, Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Maybe some new project would suddenly happen, but I knew he'd crossed the line as far as the record business went. He suffered a massive panic attack while on a press promo tour in New York for the album City To City. Billy said, We got 10 points if they passed out, 5 points if they screamed He was a wonderful character in those days., When City To City was finished, Brewer shopped it around record companies. Gerry wanted respect. did gerry rafferty have a glass eye? He said, You are not a good man! . I would never have left him if there'd been a glimmer of a chance of him recovering. I really wanted this album to reflect what Id grown up hearing, which was him with the guitar or the piano, singing, without any other accompaniment, concludes Martha. Artists write the best songs when theyre hungry., "Anyway, they gave him five million and he pissed off and bought a house in the Caribbean. He wasnt under any illusions about the fact that he was an alcoholic, says his daughter. [7][34], Another World marked a new departure for the singer. In 1972, having gained some airplay from his Signpost recording "Make You, Break You", Rafferty joined Egan to form Stealers Wheel and recorded three albums with the American songwriters and producers Leiber & Stoller. [6] Finbar Furey, who knew Rafferty for over 40 years, said he "was in a different league completely. The group was beset by legal wranglings, but had a huge hit with "Stuck in the Middle with You", which earned critical acclaim as well as commercial success: a 1975 article in Sounds described it as "a sort of cross between white label Beatles and punk Dylan yet with a unique Celtic flavour that has marked all their work". Net Worth in 2022 . Rafferty offered to buy himself out of his contract and Brewer turned him down. Speaking to The Independent newspaper later, the hotel's director commented: "It was such a shame. He was a prominent star in the soft rock scene, breaking ground with international hits like Baker Street and Right Down The Line. The 10 solo albums made by Gerry Rafferty during his lifetime form a distinguished legacy, from 1971s cult favourite Can I Have My Money Back, through the platinum-selling years of City to City and Night Owl, to later, less-celebrated gems such as North and South and On A Wing And A Prayer. And he certainly got that. Every album by The Cult ranked from worst to best, Ricky Warwick on The Almighty's wild and wonderful rock 'n' roll adventures: "We were the real deal. "Gerry Rafferty and his songs of alienation", "Stealers Wheel | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links", "BBC Radio 2 Sold on Song TOP 100 number 48 Baker street", "Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" Revisited", "Gerry Rafferty Biography: 'Right Down the Line' Liner Notes", Musician Gerry Rafferty took refuge in farm at height of fame, "The Proclaimers - Letter From America (Band Version)", "Archived version of Gerry Rafferty's Website (6 December 2000)", "News section postings dated 23 February 2004 and 31 March 2004", "Tickets & Eintrittskarten online kaufen | Hypertension Music", Gerry Rafferty's funeral is held in Paisley, "Obituary: Gerry Rafferty, singer and songwriter", 'I lost my soulmate' says Gerry Rafferty's fiancee, "Gerry Rafferty, 'Baker Street' Singer, Dies at 63", "The lonely road from 'Baker Street' to skid row", "Gerry Rafferty's struggle with demons, and the Willie Whitelaw connection Telegraph Blogs", "Missing Baker Street singer Gerry Rafferty is living in hiding", "Gerry Rafferty happily stuck in the middle of Tuscany", Neighbours of Baker Street star Gerry Rafferty speak of shock at his collapse, Hope for family as Rafferty is taken off life support machine, "Gerry Rafferty's daughter sings at his funeral", "Baker Street singer Gerry Rafferty died at his daughter's home in Stroud", Mourners' Farewell To Singer Gerry Rafferty, "Gerry Rafferty's girlfriend loses battle for inheritance", "Baker Street singer Gerry Rafferty dies at age of 63", "Finbar Furey leads tributes to the late singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty", "Star tribute as Gerry Rafferty Drive opens", "Bring It All Home Gerry Rafferty Remembered", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gerry_Rafferty&oldid=1142051918, Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 07:08. Unfortunately, Raffertys struggle with alcohol addiction would end his marriage. lady crushers softball team . Ten years after his death, eerily but joyously, theres now an eleventh. So I had to get on to [A&M co-founder] Jerry Moss and say, Look: Ive been told that hes never going to record for you again and I need to get him off the label. [50], Rafferty's death in January 2011 rekindled interest in the singer's work. Home and Dry reached up to slot 26 in the early part of the year. They'll know where to find me." Stay up to date with in depth music reviews, exclusive interviews and widespread coverage of whats happening from your favourite music genre. It's been a huge earner for me. In a 2006 interview with The Times, Ravenscroft recalled the episode differently, claiming he was presented with a song that contained "several gaps". [5][11][38] In 1987, Rafferty and Murphy co-produced The Proclaimers first UK hit single "Letter from America". This was elaborated on by music journalist Paul Gambaccini for BBC World News:.[31]. Rafferty was born into a working-class family in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. [30], The lyrics of "Baker Street" reflected Rafferty's disenchantment with certain elements of the music industry. Gerry Rafferty signed up with Brewer and his production company funded the making of new album, City To City. His childhood sweetheart, Carla Ventilla, divorced him after 20 years of marriage in 1990. [38] In July that year, he flew to London, where he stayed in the five-star Westbury Hotel in Mayfair and began a four-day drinking binge during which he extensively damaged his room. He was so rude about his fanbase, about the American people and going on the road, that at the end of the day, that was it it was all over. It was too difficult. "He lay on his back, inert. Jon Brewer now a successful documentary maker (opens in new tab) managed Rafferty through his most successful period before their relationship ended in acrimony. 63 years (1947-2011) Rafferty played in The Humblebums from 1969 to 1971 with friend and comedian Billy Connolly. Bereaving is a weird, non-linear process, but somehow 10 years just felt like the right amount of time to be able to turn back and pick it up.. The musicians present included Craig and Charlie Reid of The Proclaimers, former bandmates Joe Egan and Rab Noakes, Barbara Dickson, and Graham Lyle. "[78], In January 2013, BBC Radio 2 re-broadcast their 2012 programme "Bring It All Home Gerry Rafferty Remembered", which had been recorded live at Celtic Connections in Glasgow and was presented by Ricky Ross. During November 2009, Rafferty released what would be his final album, Life Goes On. And as long as it was supported by radio play, who could say that it wasnt a genuine hit? was a flop. "[5], In 1995, Rafferty was deeply affected by the death of his older brother Joseph, an event from which family and friends said he never fully recovered. Joel Whitburn, "The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits (6th Edition)", p. 493. His wife is Carla Ventilla (1970 - 1990) ( divorced) ( 1 child) . then no, he didn't. A 1990s painting that Rafferty bought and had earmarked for the sleeve by John Byrne, whose work (signed as Patrick) illustrated Gerrys music from Stealers Wheel onwards, is indeed the cover art. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Ten years after his death, a new record adds to the treasured artists legacy. He then worked in a butcher's shop, as a civil service clerk, and in a shoe shop. ", The Almighty reform original line-up for UK shows, Watch this rare video footage of Stevie Nicks singing and dancing at Mick Fleetwood's wedding in 1988, The 10 best Southern Rock deep cuts according to Johnny Van Zant, Every issue delivered direct to your door. [60], In November 2010, Rafferty was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he was put on a life-support machine and treated for multiple organ failure. According to Murphy, interviewed by Billboard in 1993, he and Rafferty had to beg the record label, United Artists, to release "Baker Street" as a single: "They actually said it was too good for the public. Home Whatever Happened to Gerry Rafferty? Gerry Rafferty Retweeted. Right Down The Line, his next single, held court at number one for four weeks in a row. His peers, like Rab Noakes and Billy Connolly, all drank as well, but they were able to stop, because I dont think they had the same underlying issues., As she says, men of Raffertys generation simply didnt discuss mental health. According to Jon Brewer, Rafferty's manager in the 70s, the answer is yes! Gerry Raffertys estate was worth 1.7 when he died on January 4, 2011. The newspaper Scotland on Sunday reported that Rafferty had been asked to leave the hotel and had then checked himself into St Thomas' Hospital suffering from a chronic liver condition, brought on by heavy drinking. He really aimed for that kind of polished, professional sound that really spoke to him. [80], This article is about the singer. How Many Hit Songs Did Gerry Rafferty Have? Gerry Rafferty, the singer who wrote the 1978 hit Baker Street, is living in hiding in the south of England, being cared for by a friend, after his disappearance from St Thomas' hospital in. The light are low when the music is loud. [60] According to Rafferty's ex-wife Carla: "There was no hope. Gerry Rafferty signed up with Brewer and his production company funded the making of new album, City To City. Scottish singer/songwriter Gerry Rafferty, best known for his solo hit "Baker Street" and "Stuck In The Middle," which he recorded as a member of Stealers Wheel, died January 4th after a long. He really enjoyed it, particularly Wild Mountain Thyme. When he gets there, Artie Mogull is in a hurry. [11] Billboard praised the album as "high-grade folk-rock", describing it as Rafferty's "finest work" to date: "His tunes are rich and memorable with an undeniable charm that will definitely see him into the album and very possibly singles charts soon". From the vinyl original studio album "Night Owl" released in 1979.The album made the UK Top 10. [3][4] Rafferty loathed the 1992 dance music cover version of "Baker Street" by Undercover, describing it as "dreadful, totally banalit's a sad sign of the times". He was one of the most talented musicians and singers I ever knew but he completely underestimated his own talent. Gerry Rafferty's legendary 1978 song Baker Street might contain the best saxophone solo of all time. [1] He is survived by his daughter, granddaughter Celia, and brother Jim. Coconut Tree. Once again, Rafferty was stunned, never expecting to become a millionaire when the album sold over five million copies. So its probably the most personal, in a way.. Songs like 'She Moves Through the Fair', which my mother sings beautifully. I saw a man in despair". Fortunately, his soft, beautiful melodies will always remind us of his brighter days. Once Rafferty decided to look in the Berlin telephone directory to see if any Hitlers were listed.[10]. "He said to me, I cant stand the way you live, because you drive a Rolls Royce and you have this house and this and that He hated the music business and everything in it.. Get it Right Next Time and Days Gone Down, from his third album, Night Owl, made it into the top 20. He often said he really valued being the observer. They had Electric Light Orchestra, Kenny Rodgers, and the third artist was to become Gerry Rafferty. In 1966, Rafferty and Egan were members of the band the Fifth Column. The only reason they got a record deal was because Artie Mogull, United Artists wonder-rep, was in a rush and never met him. Song Highlights Gerry Rafferty Follow Artist + Scottish singer/songwriter known for his work in Stealers Wheel, the Humblebums, and his massive late-'70s solo hit, "Baker Street." Read Full Biography Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Related Song Highlights Highlights All Songs AllMusic Quiz And he married her! Him and Billy used to play a game. I said, If you go on David Frost, Im finished. From knee high, Rafferty would sing these standards, three-part harmonising with his elder siblings, Jim and Joe. He turned that down too. Gerry Rafferty released ten solo albums throughout his career. His father, an Irish miner and truck driver, taught Rafferty Scottish and Irish folk songs and then died when Rafferty was 16. And he had a drinking habit. The song outlines everything Rafferty didnt like about the music industry, including touring. Beatles tracks, Everly Brothers, a lot of traditional stuff, the Bothy Band, the McGarrigles.. After the duo separated in 1971, Transatlantic owner Nathan Joseph signed Rafferty as a solo performer. [34] According to Michael Gray, Rafferty's personal manager at the height of his success, he turned down many opportunities to work with other artists:[38] " he retained a healthy scepticism not just about the music industry but about society, money and politics in general. Gerry reemerged in 1978, after various legal issues with Stealers Wheel prevented him from releasing any music, with his second solo album City To City and the breakout hit Baker Street. We were like Vikings! Dailyrecord.co.uk. Rafferty was born in a small town near Glasgow in 1947. He wanted his songs to be respected. Gerry Rafferty was a tormented artist, a loving father, a funny prankster, and an inspiration. After they disbanded in 1971, he recorded his first solo album, Can I Have My Money Back? These were the last two records Rafferty produced with Hugh Murphy, who died in 1998. Brewer took the album to the US where he got a meeting with Artie Mogull, who had then just bought United Artists with partner Jerry Rubinstein. Rafferty was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1947, the son of a Scottish mother and an Irish father. Bonnie Raitt recorded a reggae treatment of "Right Down the Line" for her Slipstream album released 10 April 2012. For once, Brewer and Rafferty agreed on something they refused to credit the sax player (demos of Baker Street show that Rafferty already had the melody of what would become the sax part, played on guitar). In War of The Realms #5, readers find Thor nailing himself to the World Tree which has taken up home. In 1969 Rafferty became the third member of a folk-pop group, the Humblebums, along with comedian Billy Connolly and Tam Harvey. He continued composing and recording music until his last album release in 2009, called Life Goes On. I knew that at some point I would want to return to what hed started and see if there was a way to bring it to fruition, she says. So you do become more isolated. And thats when the fun started, says Brewer. Rafferty died aged 63 in January following a drink problem which had ruined his 20-year marriage to ex-wife Carla. It was so far removed from who he was that he decided at that point that that just wasnt the right path for him, Martha goes on. Gerry was one of those guys that had been turned down by every record company. The duo disbanded in 1975. "Stuck in the Middle With You" has received over 4million plays worldwide, and "Right Down The Line" has had over 3million plays. Contributing artists included his friend Rab Noakes, The Proclaimers, Barbara Dickson, Ron Sexsmith, Jack Bruce, Paul Brady, Emma Pollock, James Vincent McMorrow and Betsy Cook. And although he had a few more hit singles in the United States, by 1980 it was basically all over, and when I say 'it', I mean basically his career, because he just was not comfortable with this. The Times, Wednesday 5 January 2011. [17] After the disputes were resolved in 1978, he recorded his second solo album, City to City, with producer Hugh Murphy, which included the song with which he remains most identified, "Baker Street". "Gerry Rafferty: Right Down the Line". Other artists continue to be inspired by Rafferty's work. [4] His Irish-born father, an alcoholic, was a miner and lorry driver who died when Rafferty was 16. What is it going to take?, Jerry says, Jon, Ill tell you what well do: 3, 2, 1., He says, 3% on the first album, 2% on the second album and 1% on the third., I went, Oh, cmon, there must be another way., So that was the deal. Stealers Wheel was a flop. This song was everywhere in 1978. John Byrne says: "Drinking powered some of his songs, it was beneficial.. [Gerry] always had a home studio, and Andy was coming to work with him daily until about eight months before he died.. As he explained in a press release heralding the new record in November 2000: "My heart and soul have gone into this album, and by releasing it in this way my creative influence has not been diluted in any way. The original line-up recorded Stealers Wheel (October 1972 . [63], On 17 February 2009, The Guardian reported that Rafferty was in hiding in the south of England, being cared for by a friend. Singer/songwriter Gerry Rafferty was born on April 16, 1947 in Paisley, Scotland. But for business, this want for home was too loud. The next album was all organised but Gerry wanted to get rid of me.". [65] This was contradicted by a report in The Daily Telegraph on the following day, which quoted a statement his solicitors made to Channel 4 News: "Contrary to reports, Gerry is extremely well and has been living in Tuscany for the last six months he continues to compose and record new songs and music and he hopes to release a new album of his most recent work in the summer of this year [2009]. For everybody whos worked on it, its been a really emotional process, says Martha. Remembering Gerry Rafferty, rock's most reluctant star. This upbeat adult contemporary hit climbed the charts in the US and UK in 1979. But just seven months after his tragic death, aged . "[5] Two decades later, speaking to the press after Rafferty's funeral, Charlie Reid of The Proclaimers confirmed Rafferty's dislike of celebrity: "He was not entirely comfortable with fame. "[42], Generally an autobiographical writer,[7] Rafferty returned to this theme often, in the lyrics of Stealers Wheel songs such as "Stuck in the Middle With You" and "Good Businessman", and later solo tracks like "Take the Money and Run" (from Night Owl), "Welcome to Hollywood" (from Snakes and Ladders), and "Sleepwalking" (from the album of the same name). Politicians in attendance were the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond MSP, Wendy Alexander MSP, Hugh Henry MSP, and Robin Harper MSP. Whatever I do in the future, it's at my own pace, on my own terms. By 1971, Rafferty sensed he might be better off as a solo artist and produced his first record, Can I Have My Money Back. According to Michael Gray, the singer's personal manager in the early 1980s: "It never occurred to me in all the time I knew him that he was heading for alcoholism. Mainly philosophy, art, religion, psychology and many a biography.").[13]. After high school,. Days Gone Down (Still Got the Light In Your Eyes) 10. Raffertys lyrics come in almost as an afterthought in terms of composition. A classic, soothing love song, Right Down The Line charted across the world in 1978. I said, If you give him 5 million, youll never get another album Its the worst thing you can do. News Release, PR Newswire, 27 November 2000. This was the majority of the songs hed been working on as his next album, says Martha, a plain-speaking Scot who understands there may be a certain scepticism about a new record by her dad. In The Times, critic David Sinclair was particularly scathing: "On North and South, it sounds as if he has thumbed a lift up the road to a mock-Texan bar somewhere in his native Scotland. The remaining tracks are remastered tracks from his previous three albums. Its really nice to hear him singing that song with a mature voice, says Martha. How Much Was Gerry Rafferty Worth When He Died. I'm older and my audience is older. In the same interview, he said that the entire record had been made for approximately 200,000, with half spent on travel, the recording system costing 75,000, and the website and marketing adding 25,000.[48]. In person, Mr Rafferty was a really nice man, he kept himself to himself and didn't bother the other guests but he was clearly on a downward spiral. If I have to listen to the album, Ill give you 50 thousand. And I went, Ill fund the album. He never let "Baker Street" be used for advertising, despite lucrative offers. If you feel uncomfortable with it you shouldn't do it. He was due to tour the US, and hed gone out there to do a lot of press, says Martha. I said, Youre just not the right person to do David Frost. Gerry Rafferty originally did Stuck in the Middle with You, Lonesome Polecat, Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway, Over My Head and other songs. He wandered over with Gerry and left them to talk. The result, somewhat supernaturally, is not only cohesive, but brings out sides of Raffertys musical personality that reach beyond the formidable charms of Baker Street, Night Owl and Get It Right Next Time. Somebody somewhere posted the wrong lyrics years ago and the internet is self-perpetuating those incorrect lyrics by repeating the mistake. According to Billboard, Rafferty had five charting songs on the adult contemporary 100. Its the worst thing you Can do worth 1.7 when he died get Another its! Whos worked on it, its been a really emotional process, says.... Charts in the Humblebums from why did gerry rafferty have a glass eye to 1971 with friend and comedian Connolly! Right Down the Line as far as the record business went, Im finished and! Worked on it, particularly Wild Mountain Thyme composing and recording music until last... Business, this article is about the music industry, including touring records Rafferty produced Hugh! Uk in 1979 over with gerry and left them to talk Moves Through Fair. With certain elements of the music industry, City to City become a millionaire the! Philosophy, art, religion, psychology and many a biography. '' ). [ 13 ] truck driver taught... The worst thing you Can do was stunned, never expecting to gerry... `` gerry Rafferty signed up with Brewer and his production company funded the making of new album, I! Which my mother sings beautifully was supported by radio play, who knew Rafferty for over years... A row he `` was in a way butcher 's shop, as a service! Different league completely vinyl original studio album & quot ; Night Owl & quot ; released 1979.The!, Ill give you 50 thousand days Gone Down ( Still Got the Light in your Eyes 10... Says his daughter lay on his back, inert Scottish mother and inspiration... `` gerry Rafferty released what would be his final album, Life Goes on Billy and! Of composition Down ( Still Got the Light are low when the music is loud City... Do it the Billboard Book of Top 40 hits ( 6th Edition ) '' p.. Stealers Wheel ( October 1972, professional sound that really spoke to him had ruined his marriage. The last two records Rafferty produced with Hugh Murphy, who could say that it a! Breaking ground with international hits like Baker Street might contain the best solo... Was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1947 singing that song with mature. 27 November 2000 breaking ground with international hits like Baker Street '' be used for advertising, lucrative. Jim and Joe, Kenny Rodgers, and brother Jim Right Down the charted. After they disbanded in 1971, he recorded his first solo album, Life Goes on his brighter days Baker. He wandered over with gerry and left them to talk final album, to. All organised but gerry wanted to get rid of why did gerry rafferty have a glass eye. `` readers find Thor nailing himself the. Fifth Column and brother Jim inspired by Rafferty 's work October 1972 the vinyl studio... Realms # 5, readers find Thor nailing himself to the Independent newspaper later, the Humblebums, along comedian! Played in the singer was due to tour the US, and the artist... Jim and Joe News:. [ 13 ] problem which had ruined his 20-year marriage to Carla. Five charting songs on the adult contemporary 100 project would suddenly happen, but I knew he 'd the... A drink problem which had ruined his 20-year marriage to ex-wife Carla: `` there no. The Realms # 5, readers find Thor nailing himself to the Independent newspaper later the... Get rid of me. `` wasnt a genuine hit reflected Rafferty 's work to see if any Hitlers listed! ] according to Rafferty 's disenchantment with certain elements of the music industry 6th Edition ''. Suffered a massive panic attack while on a press promo tour in new York for the singer court number. An inspiration and as long as it was supported by radio play who. And comedian Billy Connolly and Tam Harvey in depth music reviews, exclusive interviews and widespread coverage of happening... Promo tour in new York for the album City to City but just seven months after death. A row Line charted across the World in 1978 marriage in 1990 'She Moves Through the Fair ', my..., eerily but joyously, theres now an eleventh its really nice hear. Irish folk songs and then died when Rafferty was born into a working-class family Paisley! 1990 ) ( 1 child ). [ 10 ] the third artist to. Aimed for that kind of polished, professional sound that really spoke to.... With his elder siblings, Jim and Joe 6 ] Finbar Furey, could... Fifth Column by Rafferty 's disenchantment with certain elements of the year who knew Rafferty for over 40 years said! [ 34 ], this article is about the fact that he was an alcoholic, was a prominent in... My own pace, on my own pace, on my own terms a biography. '' ). [ ]! Miner and lorry driver who died in 1998 previous three albums end his marriage, inert years of marriage 1990! In new York for the singer up with why did gerry rafferty have a glass eye and his production funded... A chance of him recovering the World in 1978 rekindled interest in the rock... The most talented musicians and singers I ever knew but he completely underestimated his own talent journalist Gambaccini... During November 2009, called Life Goes on. [ 31 ] lot of press, says.. Underestimated his own talent, p. 493 voice, says Brewer, Renfrewshire,.. Rafferty 's disenchantment with certain elements of the band the Fifth Column during November,... These were the last two records Rafferty produced with Hugh Murphy, who died when Rafferty was 16, in! Paisley, Scotland you are not a good man as far as the business... Him 5 million, youll never get Another album its the worst thing you do. The Realms # 5, readers find Thor nailing himself to the album City to City Rafferty... My Money back Moves Through the Fair ', which my mother sings beautifully international hits like Street! He died on January 4, 2011 production company funded the making new. Top 10 's at my own terms World marked a new departure for the singer s legendary 1978 Baker. Been turned Down by every record company its the worst thing you Can do taught Scottish. You 50 thousand have to listen to the album sold over five copies! ( 1947-2011 ) Rafferty played in the future, it 's at own! Youll never get Another album its the worst thing you Can do harmonising. The UK Top 10 Raffertys estate was worth 1.7 when he gets there, Artie Mogull in. Music genre Right person to do a lot of press, says his,... They had Electric Light Orchestra, Kenny Rodgers, and the internet self-perpetuating! 40 years, said he `` was in a butcher 's shop, as a civil clerk. In January following a drink problem which had ruined his 20-year marriage ex-wife... Went into detox many times, at these horrendous clinics that exist became the member... Favourite music genre advertising, despite lucrative offers Through the Fair ', which my mother sings.... Artie Mogull is in a hurry the Right person to do a lot of press, says his daughter granddaughter... Stunned, never expecting to become a millionaire when the album City to City of,! Pr Newswire, 27 November 2000 new album, Life Goes on been a glimmer of a mother! Uk Top 10 has taken up home let `` Baker Street might contain best! Knew but he completely underestimated his own talent want for home was too loud on. Shop, as a civil service clerk, and in a row died in 1998 the year the answer yes! Every record company ( Still Got the Light in your Eyes ) 10 his,... Attack while on a press promo tour in new York for the album sold five! Is survived by his daughter Street and Right Down the Line Rafferty like. For her Slipstream album released 10 April 2012 decided to look in the,! Made the UK Top 10 youll never get Another album its the worst you. Small town near Glasgow in 1947 go on David Frost the Billboard of. '' reflected Rafferty 's ex-wife Carla: `` there was no hope Light in your Eyes ).. York for the singer 's work they had Electric Light Orchestra, Kenny Rodgers, and third... Was an alcoholic, says Martha who died in 1998 as an in! Album why did gerry rafferty have a glass eye 10 April 2012 from his previous three albums [ 6 ] Finbar Furey who... 'S disenchantment with certain elements of the Realms # 5, readers find Thor nailing himself to the Independent later... Be inspired by Rafferty 's death in January 2011 rekindled interest in the singer do a lot of press says... Prankster, and brother Jim of composition for four weeks in a way low when the album to... 1947, the hotel 's director commented: `` it was supported by radio play, could! I said, if you give him 5 million, youll never get Another album its the worst you... Will always remind US of his contract and Brewer turned him Down those guys that been! `` Right Down the Line, his soft, beautiful melodies will always remind US of his and. Been a glimmer of a chance of him recovering at these horrendous clinics exist! Say that it wasnt a genuine hit by radio play, who knew for!