Stealers Wheel Singer Joe Egan Dies at Age 77

His hit “Stuck in the Middle with You” marked the rock of the 70s and the cinema of Quentin Tarantino

Singer Joe Egan, co-founder of the band Stealers Wheel and co-writer of the hit “Stuck In The Middle With You,” died Saturday (6/7) at the age of 77. The news was announced on the official Facebook page of his late partner Gerry Rafferty (1947-2011), run by his daughter Martha. “It is very sad news that the other half of Stealers Wheel, Joe Egan, passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon with his loved ones around him,” the post read. “I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”

The beginning and the greatest success

Egan, who originally dreamed of becoming a footballer, met Rafferty when they were both teenagers at St. Mirin’s Academy in their hometown of Paisley, Scotland. They formed Stealers Wheel in the early 1970s. Although the band’s first two singles were unsuccessful, their third, “Stuck In The Middle With You,” became a rock and pop classic.

The two co-wrote and performed the song, which reached the Top 10 in the US and UK, selling over 2 million copies. The single’s success spurred the band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1972 by A&M Records.

Tarantino Connection

The song enjoyed a chart resurgence two decades later when it was used in a key scene in Quentin Tarantino’s debut film, “Reservoir Dogs” (1992). The upbeat “Stuck In The Middle With You” featured the character of Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) torturing a police officer and dancing on the dance floor.

“Stuck In The Middle With You” also appeared in dozens of films and TV shows over the next few decades, including “The Guilt Trip,” “ER,” “Gilmore Girls,” “That ’70s Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Raising Hope,” “Cold Case,” “Top Gear,” and “The Simpsons.”

Further successes and the end of the band

Although it was Stealers Wheel’s biggest hit, it was not their only success. The next single, “Everything Will Turn Out Fine,” reached the Billboard Top 50, and “Star,” a song written by Egan on the band’s second album, “Ferguslie Park” (1973), reached the Top 30. She also recently appeared in an episode of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” However, both this record and Stealers Wheel’s third album, “Right or Wrong” (1975), failed to chart, and the band broke up shortly thereafter.

Egan also released two solo albums, “Out of Nowhere” (1979) and “Map” (1981), but neither achieved chart success.

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.