(September 3, 2017) Amalgamating rock, jazz and R&B into an incredible gumbo that led to multiple Grammy Awards and millions of fans over more than 40 years, Steely Dan established itself as one of the great popular acts of that period. And today we’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Walter Becker, co-founder and, with Donald Fagen, the face of the group over all those years. Becker was 67. No cause of death was announced.
(September 3, 2017) Amalgamating rock, jazz and R&B into an incredible gumbo that led to multiple Grammy Awards and millions of fans over more than 40 years, Steely Dan established itself as one of the great popular acts of that period. And today we’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Walter Becker, co-founder and, with Donald Fagen, the face of the group over all those years. Becker was 67. No cause of death was announced.
Steely Dan was formed by Becker and Fagan in New York, where they both attended college. The two worked as songwriters and session musicians before relocating to California and creating Steely Dan, releasing Can’t Buy A Thrill in 1972 and scoring with several hits from that album, including “Reelin’ In The Years,” “Do It Again,” and “Dirty Work.” It began a string of successful albums and a rotating list of group members, many of which – such as Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Michael McDonald and Toto’s Jeff Porcaro – went on to success elsewhere.
By 1977, Steely Dan had firmly established its identity and a sound like no other group. And that sound hit its commercial and critical peak on 1977’s Aja, an incredible album that stayed on the charts for over a year, and became the group’s signature release. The title track, “Deacon Blues” and “Peg” remain FM radio staples to this day. And the act also established itself as a favorite with soul and jazz music audiences, who appreciated the creative infusion of those elements into Steely Dan's rock blueprint.
Becker and Fagan released solo projects over the years, but reunited in 2000 for Two Against Nature, which won for them a somewhat controversial Grammy Award for Best Album. They continued to tour and work together ever since, while each also had solo projects and worked with other artists over those years. (Read Fagan's tribute to his musical partner in Variety today)
Becker had missed a few Steely Dan major shows in July due to an unspecified illness, but there had been no indication that he was gravely ill. The news that comes out today is extremely sad for the music world, which will honor Becker as a key artistic force in one of the most unique groups ever.
By Chris Rizik