Singer, songwriter of iconic pop-rock hit has died: ‘A sweet and gentle soul’

Joe Egan, a key member of Stealers Wheel and co-creator of the band’s biggest hit, has died at age 77.

Egan, a Scottish folk-rocker, co-wrote the 1970s radio hit “Stuck in the Middle with You” with Gerry Rafferty and shared vocals on the song with Rafferty. The two musicians founded Stealers Wheel in 1972, charting with “Stuck in the Middle with You” in the UK and parlaying the single into a top 10 success on the Billboard charts in the United States. “Stuck in the Middle With You” also was featured in the 1992 Quentin Tarantino movie “Reservoir Dogs,” prompting a major resurgence of the song and another wave of fame.

Egan’s death was confirmed via a July 7 post on the official Facebook page for Rafferty, who died in 2011 at age 63. The page is run by Rafferty’s daughter, Martha Rafferty.

“Very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his nearest and dearest around him,” the Facebook post said. “I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”

No other details were provided, including the cause of death.

Egan and Rafferty, both from Paisley, Scotland, were the prime movers of Stealers Wheel during its tenure in the 1970s. (At the time, the band was typically classified as pop rock, folk rock or soft rock.) Stealers Wheel recorded three albums, 1972-1975, including a self-titled debut in 1972 that featured “Stuck in the Middle with You.” The “Stealers Wheel” record sold about 2 million copies and reached No. 50 on Billboard’s album chart in 1973, largely on the strength of its catchy single.

The band’s breakthrough record was followed by the albums “Ferguslie Park” (1973) and “Right or Wrong” (1975). Egan took lead vocals on the 1974 single “Star,” which reached No. 29 on the Billboard charts. Stealers Wheel split in 1975 and reformed briefly in 2008 with some former members on board, although neither Egan nor Rafferty was involved in the revival.

For movie fans, “Stuck in the Middle with You” remains indelibly tied to a memorable scene from 1992′s “Reservoir Dogs,” where a bank robber known as Mr. Blonde (played by Michael Madsen) dances to the Stealers Wheel tune while torturing a captive police officer. Director Tarantino told Rolling Stone in 2009 that “Stuck in the Middle with You” was his first choice for the scene, and the actors agreed the lilting song would make an impact, contrasting sharply with the violence on screen.

Rafferty proved to be the best-known member of Stealers Wheel over the years, moving on to a solo career that included the late ‘70s hits “Baker Street,” “Right Down the Line” and “Night Owl.” However, Egan was highly instrumental to the Stealers Wheel sound, via his songwriting, vocals and contributions on keyboard and guitar.

Egan went on to release two solo albums, 1979′s “Out of Nowhere” and 1981′s “Map,” and left the music business in the 1990s. His work endures, however, in the hearts and minds of fans. Nearly 300 comments on Rafferty’s Facebook page mourned Egan’s passing and paid tribute to his music. Here’s a sampling:

“Rest in peace Joe ... another talented chunk of Scotland’s musical history now gone to heaven ... where hopefully he will be reunited with his old partner,” Ian Harvey posted on Facebook. “The music remains on this planet ... so keep playing it everyone, it still deserves to be heard.”

“A couple of years ago, at a mutual friend’s house, I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting with Joe,” Ian Connor said. “We played and sang some of his songs, something I’ll never forget ... what a gentleman. I’ve been performing ‘Back On The Road’ for decades. R.I.P. Joe.”

“So sad -- Joe was a great songwriter, singer and musician,” said Ian McLaren. “He contributed hugely to the success of Stealers Wheel’s three brilliant albums. His first solo album Out Of Nowhere is a fantastic album that never received the recognition that it deserved. Another Scottish music legend gone. Love and warm wishes to Joe’s family.”

“A greatly underrated songster in his own right,” said David Logan. “Joe’s solo work is amongst my favourite music. I’m really saddened to hear this news. His music lives on.”

“Very sad news,” Alex Macmanus said. “Another musical icon leaves us but the music lives on.”

“So sorry to hear this,” said Ian Lee. “Stealers Wheel was the very first band that I took any interest in as a young teenager and I always hoped that we might eventually hear from Joe again. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends from a long time fan.”

“So sorry to hear this sad news,” said Jenny Warren. “Joe seemed a lovely gentle soul. If there’s anything there after we pass I hope Joe and Gerry meet again.”