5 Facts About the Baker Street Sax Solo

Raphael Ravenscroft played the iconic sax solo on Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street.” The solo became one of the most recognizable in pop music history.

Ravenscroft was a session musician hired specifically for the recording. He was not a member of Rafferty’s band.

The solo was recorded in a single take. Ravenscroft reportedly walked into the studio, played it, and left.

Ravenscroft initially disliked the solo. He later admitted it grew on him after its massive success.

The song’s producer, Hugh Murphy, insisted on the saxophone part. Rafferty originally wanted a guitar solo, but Murphy pushed for sax.