Gerry Rafferty

[pro70z28]

only 63. A lot of memories from the old days.

[WildcatOne]

In the spring of 1978, I was out shopping for records...I did that a lot back then...and I found a new record by Gerry Rafferty called "City To City". I knew who he was from having previously purchased the Stealer's Wheel anthology (a real bargain, by the way...great band with great songs) and the Humblebums, much harder to find. Anyway, I bought the album, took it home, slapped it on the turntable and was frozen in my tracks when I heard what was coming off that disc. My opinion of "City To City" is that it was the greatest album of the 1970s.

It is absolutely flawless, compelling and beautiful from start to finish.

I had no idea that guy had so much talent, soul, and power. It was a "solo" album from the guy who gave those other bands their voice and style. The superlatives cannot match the quality and scope of that one single artistic statement. I've even thought about naming it the greatest album of all time. It's hard to compare "City To City" to my other favorite records and artists of that era...there were many...but this album opened my eyes to a whole new way of making original music...the only other record that inspired me as much was "Spirit of America" by Spirit. To this day, this record is still going strong and is still relevant and as vibrant and overwhelming as it was the day it was released.

Van Morrison, Dire Straits, John Lennon, Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Yes, Todd Rundgren, Boston, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, ELO, and yes, Bruce Springsteen must have all gasped when they heard this. I know I sure did and I still do. He outdid 'em all with that one..."City to City" haunts me and will for the rest of my life.

He was human and he had human struggles like everybody else. He just happened to be the guy who made the landmark album of the 20th century. God Bless and give him rest. He is now gone from this life but his next adventure is just beginning. Shine on, Gerry. WC1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_Rafferty

[draglist]

Now I have to get that album! Farewell, Gerry... I remember Baker Street... and then was surprised to hear on the radio today that he was the guy behind Stealer's Wheel... and was even more surprised to hear that he was trying to Emulate Bob Dylan on "Stuck in the Middle with You"... and FURTHER surprised to hear that many folks thought that WAS Dylan on that record... bp

[WCB]

R.I.P. Gerry