Gerry Rafferty (the Scottish singer-songwriter responsible for the mega-hit "Baker Street") died following a lengthy battle with alcoholism, according to British media reports. He was 63.
The news comes via the Guardian, but the cause of death is currently unknown. UK's Sun newspaper revealed in November that the singer was battling for his life after suffering kidney failure. He was in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset, England.
Rafferty's life had been turbulent in recent years. In 2008, he was checked into a London hospital following an alleged binge at a five-star hotel. He then disappeared from the hospital, sparking concerns for his safety and even speculation that he might be dead. In 2009, the story began to spread, and Rafferty issued a public statement, assuring fans that he was fine. He also put out the new album, Life Goes On.
Despite these recent struggles, Rafferty will be best remembered for his soft rock smash "Baker Street," which came out in 1978 and is known for its iconic saxophone solo. He also scored a No. 1 with the song "Right Down the Line." Early in his career, he was a member of Stealers Wheels, with whom he co-wrote the hit "Stuck in the Middle."
Rafferty is survived by his daughter Martha. He had a fiancé, Enzina Fuschini.
The news comes via the Guardian, but the cause of death is currently unknown. UK's Sun newspaper revealed in November that the singer was battling for his life after suffering kidney failure. He was in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset, England.
Rafferty's life had been turbulent in recent years. In 2008, he was checked into a London hospital following an alleged binge at a five-star hotel. He then disappeared from the hospital, sparking concerns for his safety and even speculation that he might be dead. In 2009, the story began to spread, and Rafferty issued a public statement, assuring fans that he was fine. He also put out the new album, Life Goes On.
Despite these recent struggles, Rafferty will be best remembered for his soft rock smash "Baker Street," which came out in 1978 and is known for its iconic saxophone solo. He also scored a No. 1 with the song "Right Down the Line." Early in his career, he was a member of Stealers Wheels, with whom he co-wrote the hit "Stuck in the Middle."
Rafferty is survived by his daughter Martha. He had a fiancé, Enzina Fuschini.