Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' Named Best Saxophone Solo in Music History

Even though other instruments, like guitars, drums, and bass, get more attention, there is something incredibly appealing about a good saxophone riff in a hit song. According to a notable list, the classic rock song 'Baker Street' by Gerry Rafferty features the best saxophone solo in music history.

Who Ranked ‘Baker Street’ by Gerry Rafferty as the Song With the Greatest Saxophone Solo of All Time

In April 2015, WatchMojo published its list of the top 10 saxophone solos in pop and rock music. Alongside tracks by George Michael, Bruce Springsteen, Supertramp, and Foreigner, Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' topped the ranking at No. 1.

WatchMojo's list noted that the alto saxophone solo from 'Baker Street' was performed by Raphael "Raf" Ravenscroft. The riff was originally demoed on a guitar, but when a player failed to arrive at the studio, Ravenscroft recorded it, and the rest is history. While it is easy to imagine the riff being played on a guitar, it is even easier to see why it is a good thing it wasn't and to understand why WatchMojo named it No. 1.

Why the Saxophone Solo From 'Baker Street' Is Still Great Today

First released on February 3, 1978, it took a few months for 'Baker Street' to become a hit. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 on April 22, 1978, and would go on to peak at No. 2 on June 24 of the same year. Ultimately, it spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart and became Rafferty's biggest hit of his career.

Gerry Rafferty deserved to be very proud of the song's success. Still, there is no denying that Raphael "Raf" Ravenscroft contributed an immense amount to the track becoming a huge hit. Seemingly performed with utter passion and deep sorrow, the sax sound that repeats throughout the track appeals to an instinctual place in listeners that is very compelling. People don't need to be music experts to recognize that the solo simply works since it perfectly reflects the song's themes, including alienation. Truly, it is a perfect example of how the saxophone can contribute to pop music in a way that more producers need to remember.

Perhaps the ultimate indication of the solo's lasting place in music history came when Ravenscroft passed away in 2014. At that time, The AV Club published an article about his death with a telling headline. "R.I.P. Raphael Ravenscroft, the man behind the 'Baker Street' sax solo." While the talented musician passed away far too early, he recorded a piece of music that will arguably live forever.

The Full List: WatchMojo's Top 10 Saxophone Solos in Pop and Rock

• #10: INXS - 'Never Tear Us Apart' (1988)
• #9: Lady Gaga - 'The Edge of Glory' (2011)
• #8: Pink Floyd - 'Money' (1973)
• #7: Men at Work - 'Who Can it Be Now?' (1982)
• #6: Foreigner - 'Urgent' (1981)
• #5: Supertramp - 'The Logical Song' (1979)
• #4: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - 'Old Time Rock and Roll' (1978)
• #3: Bruce Springsteen - 'Born to Run' (1975)
• #2: George Michael - 'Careless Whisper' (1984)
• #1: Gerry Rafferty - 'Baker Street' (1978)

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