Baker Street

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty from his 1978 album City to City, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for some cool trivia! This track, known for its unforgettable saxophone riff, was born out of Rafferty’s tough times. He wrote it while stuck in legal battles after his band Stealers Wheel broke up in 1975, traveling between his home in Paisley, Scotland, and a friend’s flat on Baker Street in London. Those trips, filled with frustration and talks with his friend, inspired the song’s themes of alienation and longing for escape. Rafferty told Rolling Stone in 1978 that he was in a “very strange period,” drawing inspiration from Colin Wilson’s 1956 book The Outsider, which explores social misfits and creativity. His daughter Martha noted in a 2012 Daily Record interview that the song became a “bit of a cross to bear” because it overshadowed his broader work, labeling him as a one-hit wonder despite his diverse talents.

Now, let’s talk about that legendary sax riff, Zoo Freaks! The riff was played by session musician Raphael Ravenscroft, who almost missed the gig because he couldn’t drive to Chipping Norton Studios. In a BBC The One Show interview, Ravenscroft said he showed up with a beat-up saxophone held together by gaffer tape, but its gritty sound was perfect. There’s been some debate over who wrote the riff—Ravenscroft once claimed he pieced it together from blues riffs, but Rafferty insisted it was his creation, singing it to Ravenscroft during recording. A 2011 reissue of City to City included a demo with Rafferty playing the riff on guitar, settling the dispute. Fun fact: a rumor spread that TV host Bob Holness played the sax, which Ravenscroft admitted to starting as a joke during interviews, as he told Gold Radio. Posts on X also highlight the riff’s fame, with @yachtbook noting Ravenscroft was paid just £27 for his work, calling it a “legendary moment in pop.”

Here’s another tidbit for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl junkies: "Baker Street" was a chart beast, hitting No. 1 on Cash Box and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, blocked by Andy Gibb’s “Shadow Dancing.” Some fans, as discussed on djrobblog.com, believe Gibb’s team pressured Billboard to keep their song at No. 1, making “Baker Street” one of the most controversial No. 2 hits ever. The song’s cultural impact is huge—it’s been covered by artists like Foo Fighters and Ann Wilson, and it’s featured in The Simpsons, where Lisa plays the riff, and in Grand Theft Auto V on Los Santos Rock Radio. On Reddit’s r/GenX, fans share nostalgic stories, like one user recalling singing the sax part to a DJ as a kid to identify the song, proving its lasting vibe.

Let’s dive into how Gerry Rafferty got his start, Zoo Freaks! Born on April 16, 1947, in Paisley, Scotland, to a working-class family, Rafferty grew up steeped in music. His mother taught him Irish and Scottish folk songs, and as a teen, he was hooked on the Beatles and Bob Dylan, shaping his songwriting. He started performing in the 1960s, busking and playing local gigs. In 1969, he joined the folk-pop group The Humblebums with comedian Billy Connolly, gaining a cult following in Scotland. After the group split in 1971, Rafferty released his first solo album, Can I Have My Money Back?, which flopped but showed his knack for catchy melodies. He then formed Stealers Wheel with friend Joe Egan, scoring a hit with “Stuck in the Middle with You” in 1973, later immortalized in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Legal woes with Stealers Wheel stalled his career, but City to City in 1978, with “Baker Street” as its centerpiece, made him a global star.

For more on Gerry Rafferty, check out his official website at gerryrafferty.com, relaunched by his daughter Martha with rare photos and a full discography. You can also follow updates on his official Facebook page, where fans share memories and tributes. His Instagram account posts throwback pics and song clips, keeping his legacy alive. On X, search for posts about Rafferty to see fans like @dvesean celebrating his birthday and hits. For fan communities, join the Gerry Rafferty Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect over favorite tracks and stories. There’s also a fan site, gerryrafferty.net, with detailed discographies and news. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the Rafferty love grooving!