Connolly: 'Rafferty was hugely talented'

Billy Connolly has called the late Gerry Rafferty both "hugely talented" and a "true genius".

The Daily Mail quotes Connolly as saying that his former Humblebums bandmate, who recently died after a long illness, will be fondly remembered by fans and friends alike.

"Gerry Rafferty was a hugely talented songwriter and singer who will be greatly missed," he said. "'I was privileged to have spent my formative years working with Gerry and there remained a strong bond of friendship between us that lasted until his untimely death."

The Scottish comedian added: "Gerry had extraordinary gifts and his premature passing deprives the world of a true genius."

The Humblebums recorded three albums over the course of their brief tenure together and released hit singles including 'Saturday Round About Sunday' before splitting in 1970.

Rafferty later scored a top five hit on both sides of the Atlantic with 1978's 'Baker Street'.