Gerry Rafferty Prize: Songwriter from star’s own town is first winner of prize in his memory

Published on 18/07/2012 00:56

A SINGER has said he is “honoured” to become the first winner of the Gerry Rafferty Prize, a songwriting competition named after the famous Scottish musician.

Michael Cassidy, who comes from the same Renfrewshire town as Rafferty, was chosen by a judging panel that included the Baker Street singer’s daughter Martha and DJ Jim Gellatly.

Rafferty, from Paisley, died in January last year after a long illness. He achieved international success with solo hits Baker Street and Right Down The Line, as well as Stuck In The Middle With You with the band Stealer’s Wheel.

“It was amazing to find out I had won, and the fact that he also came from Paisley and had so much success just makes it an honour,” Mr Cassidy said. The 25-year-old, who supported Ben Howard on tour last year, said it was hard to define his music, but it was best described as “alternative folk with an 
emphasis on melody”, with 
influences from folk singers such as Richard Thompson and John Martyn to more contemporary acts like Rufus Wainwright and Radiohead. Martha Rafferty said she was happy to see other 
performers getting a platform to showcase their talent.

“I’m delighted that the legacy my father created can go on to inspire and enable another songwriter to be given a platform for their voice to be heard,” she said.

“It’s a long and difficult road to choose and opportunities to breakthrough are few and far between.”

The singer-songwriter, who has recorded an album to be released at the end of the year, will now take time out of a summer tour to make the most of his prize of a slot at a prestigious UK songwriting festival.

The event, to be held in 
August at Shennanton House in Dumfriesshire, will bring 
together musicians for a week of writing, recording and performing songs.