Died On This Date (Otober 19, 2014) Raphael Ravenscroft / Provided Iconic Sax Solo On “Baker Street”

Raphael Ravenscroft
June 4, 1954 – October 19, 2014

Photo by David Plastik - Click To Order Quality Prints - Discount code: 10OFF
Performing with David Gilmour. Photo by David Plastik – Click To Order Quality Prints – Discount code: 10OFF

Raphael Ravenscroft was an in-demand session musician whose saxophone can be heard on albums by Robert Plant, Daft Punk, Mike Oldfield, Duffy, and Pink Floyd to name just a few.  He most famously provided the iconic sax parts for Gerry Rafferty‘s 1978 hit single, “Baker Street.”  The song reached #2 on the US charts, #1 in Canada and Australia, and #3 in the UK.  In 2010, BMI recognized the it for having been played more than 5 million times around the world.  Throughout his career, Ravenscroft also wrote several regarded saxophone instruction books.  He also composed music for numerous major advertising campaigns.  Ravenscroft semi-retired in 2012 due to health issues and died from a suspected heart attack on October 19, 2014.  He was 60.

Died On This Date (July 10, 2012) Lol Coxhill / English Jazz Saxophonist

George “Lol” Coxhill
September 19, 1932 – July 10, 2012

Lol Coxhill was a world-renowned free-improv saxophonist from Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.  In 1968, legendary English disc jockey, John Peel reportedly took note of Coxhill while he was busking on London’s South Bank.  That lead to gigs throughout the storied Canterbury scene of the late ’60s and ’70s.  During those years, Coxhill played in such jazz rock combos as Delivery and Kevin Ayers and the Whole World.  Although he ultimately made his mark as an unpredictable improv soloist, Coxhill performed more traditionally while backing up many visiting American blues and soul singers during the ’60s.  That list includes Champion Jack Dupree, Lowell Fulson, and Rufus Thomas.  He also collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mike Oldfield, Django Bates, Fred Frith, and even the Damned.   Lol Coxhill was 79 when he passed away on July 10, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Ear of Beholder - Lol Coxhill