Remembering Rafferty, Karn

We lost a pair of distinguished musicians yesterday.
The Scottish singer/songwriter GERRY RAFFERTY died age 63.
He was best-known for "Stuck in the Middle," performed with the band Stealers Wheel, and his solo hit "Baker Street."
I just listened to "Baker Street." It has an enduring quality, a timelessness that belies its age (it was released in 1978).
The Cypriot/English musician MICK KARN (born Andonis Michaelides) died age 52.
He played bass for the elegant art-rock band JAPAN.
Although lumped in with the New Romantic movement, Japan's superior musicianship always set them apart from the crowd. Their hits included "Ghosts" and "The Art of Parties."
I'm listening to a Japan compilation as I type these words.
Both these artists contributed mightily to music, and will be missed.