Baker Street Saxophone Player Raphael Ravenscroft Has Died

Raphael Ravenscroft, the man who produced the haunting saxophone solo on Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”, dies at age 60.

If you’ve ever picked your brain for some of the most unforgettable instrumental solos of all time, Raphael Ravenscroft’s saxophone solo on Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” will probably come to mind.

SpinMedia reports that Ravenscroft, who revolutionized the role of the saxophone in the world of rock music, has died at age 60. A heart attack is suspected to be the cause of death.

“Baker Street” rose to fame in 1978, attaining the number two spot in the US charts and the number three spot in the UK charts.

It is said that Rafferty created a long break in “Baker Street”, but had no idea what instrument he wanted to use. Rafferty decided at the last moment that he wanted to include a “big-city sound to it,” finally settling on the saxophone as the instrument.

Ravenscroft was recommended as second in line to take the part, following a previous declined invitation. Due to short notice Ravenscroft almost turned the job down, but as destiny would have it, he eventually travelled away from his London home to the recording studios at Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. There, he produced his cherished saxophone hook and solo.

Ravenscroft’s successful music career boasts a repertoire playing for artists including Pink Floyd, ABBA, as well as session work for the elusive electronic duo, Daft Punk.

Listen to Ravenscroft’s ground-breaking performance on Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” below.