‘Baker Street’ singer Rafferty, 63, dies

LONDON – Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish singer-songwriter behind hit songs “Baker Street” and “Stuck in the Middle With You,” has died. He was 63.

Rafferty’s agent Paul Charles confirmed Tuesday that his client had passed away following a long illness, but said he had no additional information on how or where he had died.

Rafferty’s classic record “Baker Street” – renowned worldwide for its distinctive haunting saxophone solo – climbed to No. 3 in the U.K. and No. 2 in the U.S. music charts in 1978. It still achieves considerable airplay on radio stations.

The singer also recorded “Stuck in the Middle With You” in 1972 while performing as part of the Scottish folk-rock band Stealers Wheel. The ode – or mocking tribute – to Bob Dylan’s raspy voice grew new wings in filmmaker Quentin Tarantino’s movie “Reservoir Dogs,” and has sold more than a million copies worldwide.

Rafferty made headlines in recent years for his public struggles with alcoholism and had also undergone treatment for liver failure.

He reassured fans of his well-being in February 2009 after a former bandmate expressed concerns over his health and whereabouts in the press. Later that year, Rafferty released the album “Life Goes On.”