The music world mourned the loss of Joe Egan on July 6, co-founder of Stealers Wheel alongside Gerry Rafferty. Egan’s most notable contribution to the music industry was the enduring hit “Stuck in the Middle with You,” a song that solidified their place as rock and pop icons. His passing was confirmed on Rafferty’s official Facebook page by Martha, Rafferty’s daughter, who shared the news with a heartfelt message. Egan passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, leaving a void in the world of music.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
Egan’s musical journey began when he and Rafferty met as teenagers at St. Mirin’s Academy in their hometown of Paisley, Scotland. The duo later formed Stealers Wheel in the early 1970s, hoping to make a mark in the music scene. Despite their initial singles not making much impact, their third single, “Stuck in the Middle with You,” became a massive success. The song, co-written and sung by both Egan and Rafferty, hit the Top 10 charts in both the U.S. and UK, selling over 2 million copies.
“Stuck in the Middle with You” gained a new lease on life when it was featured prominently in Quentin Tarantino’s debut film, Reservoir Dogs. The catchy tune struck a chord with audiences, especially in a scene where Mr. Blonde tortures a cop while joyfully singing and dancing to the song. The track’s popularity soared even further when it became a staple in pop culture, appearing in various movies and TV shows like The Guilt Trip, ER, Gilmore Girls, and The Simpsons.
Following the success of “Stuck in the Middle with You,” Stealers Wheel released other notable singles like “Everything Will Turn Out Fine” and “Star,” penned by Egan himself. Despite these achievements, the group faced challenges with their subsequent albums failing to make an impact on the charts. Eventually, Stealers Wheel disbanded, leading Egan to pursue a solo career. He released two solo albums, “Out of Nowhere” and “Map,” but unfortunately, both failed to make a mark in the music industry.
Joe Egan’s contribution to the music industry will always be remembered, particularly for his role in creating timeless classics like “Stuck in the Middle with You.” His collaboration with Gerry Rafferty and the success of Stealers Wheel paved the way for future musicians. As we bid farewell to Joe Egan, we honor his memory by celebrating his musical legacy and the impact he left on the world of music. Rest in peace, Joe Egan.