THE BAND Steely Dan was founded in 1971 and is known for the songs Do It Again, Reelin' In The Years, and Rikki Don't Lose That Number.
Jim Beard toured with the band in 2008 up until his sudden death in 2024.
Who was Steely Dan member Jim Beard?
Jim Beard was a pianist and composer who played with just about everyone.
He was born on August 26, 1960, in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.
He moved to New York in 1985, where he began his career as a composer before achieving over 100 published compositions.
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Some of his renowned collaborators include John Mayer, jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, and of course, Steely Dan.
He won a Grammy Award in 2007 as a featured performer on the album Some Skunk Funk by Randy and Michael Brecker.
Beard began playing with Steely Dan in 2008 and quickly became their touring keyboardist.
He toured with the band for the past 16 years and made time to tour with The Eagles in 2023.
On March 2, 2024, Beard passed away in a New York City hospital after complications with a sudden illness.
His death was announced four days later by his representative.
He was 63.
When was Steely Dan formed?
Steely Dan is an American rock band that was founded at Bard College by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen.
Over the years, rock stars have released several albums and countless songs.
The band is also the recipient of many awards including the 2001 Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for their work on the 2000 album, Two Against Nature.
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What happened to Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker?
Born February 20, 1950, in Queens, NY, Becker was known as an American musician, songwriter, and record producer.
In 2017, Becker tragically passed away at the age of 67 following a battle with cancer, the Los Angeles Times reports.
At the time, he was survived by his ex-wife, Elinor Becker, and their children, son Kawai, and adopted daughter Sayan.