“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 the age of 77.

Egan, a Scottish folk rocker, co-wrote the 1970s radio hit “Stuck in the Middle with You” with Gerry Rafferty and sang with Rafferty. The two musicians formed Stealers Wheel in 1972, charting in the UK with “Stuck in the Middle with You” and making the single a top 10 hit on the Billboard charts in the US. “Stuck in the Middle With You” was also featured in the 1992 Quentin Tarantino film “Reservoir Dogs”, leading to a major resurrection for the song and another wave of fame.

Egan’s death was confirmed by a July 7 post on the official Facebook page of 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 surrounded by his nearest and dearest,” the Facebook post said. “I will always remember him as a sweet and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”

Further details, including the cause of death, were not disclosed.

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

The band’s breakthrough albums were Ferguslie Park (1973) and Right or Wrong (1975). Egan sang lead vocals on the 1974 single “Star,” which reached number 29 on the Billboard charts. Stealers Wheel split up in 1975 and briefly reformed in 2008 with some former members, although neither Egan nor Rafferty were involved in the revival.

For film fans, “Stuck in the Middle with You” is inextricably linked to a memorable scene from 1992’s “Reservoir Dogs,” in which a bank robber named Mr. Blonde (played by Michael Madsen) dances to the tune of Stealers Wheel while torturing a captured cop. 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 that the upbeat song would make an impact, providing a stark contrast to the violence on screen.

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

Egan released two solo albums, Out of Nowhere (1979) and Map (1981), and left the music business in the 1990s. But his work remains in the hearts and minds of his fans. Nearly 300 comments on Rafferty’s Facebook page mourned Egan’s death and paid tribute to his music. Here is a selection:

“Rest in peace Joe… another talented part of Scottish music history has now gone to heaven… where he will hopefully be reunited with his old partner,” Ian Harvey posted on Facebook. “The music remains on this planet… so keep playing folks, it still deserves to be heard.”

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

“So sad – Joe was a great songwriter, singer and musician,” said Ian McLaren. “He contributed enormously 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 it deserved. Another Scottish music legend has passed away. Love and warm regards to Joe’s family.”

“A highly underrated singer,” said David Logan. “Joe’s solo work is some of my favorite music. I’m really sad to hear this news. His music lives on.”

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

“I’m so sorry,” said Ian Lee. “Stealers Wheel was the very first band I was interested in as a young teenager and I always hoped we would hear from Joe again at some point. A long-time fan sends his deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

“I am so sorry to hear this sad news,” said Jenny Warren. “Joe seemed like a lovely, gentle soul. If anything happens after we are gone, I hope Joe and Gerry will be reunited.”