Johnny Paycheck
American country singer (1938-2003)
Walter Becker was a co-founder of the successful jazz rock band Steely Dan. He was a musician, songwriter, and producer who collaborated with Donald Fagen to create the group’s critically acclaimed music. After Steely Dan’s initial run, Becker went on to have a solo career and continued working with Fagen to reform the band in the 1990s.
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About the Walter Becker
Walter Carl Beckerwas an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the jazz rock band Steely Dan.
Becker met future songwriting partner Donald Fagen while they were students at Bard College. After a brief period of activity in New York City, the two moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and formed the nucleus of Steely Dan, which enjoyed a critically and commercially successful ten-year career. Following the group’s dissolution, Becker moved to Hawaii and reduced his musical activity, working primarily as a record producer. In 1985, he briefly became a member of the English band China Crisis, producing and playing synthesizer on their album Flaunt the Imperfection.
Becker and Fagen reformed Steely Dan in 1993 and remained active, recording Two Against Natureand Circus Money (2008). Following a brief battle with esophageal cancer, he died on September 3, 2017. He and Fagen are the only two members of Steely Dan who appeared on every studio album by the band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walter Becker was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the jazz rock band Steely Dan.
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen met while they were students at Bard College, and later formed the nucleus of the band Steely Dan.
Following the group’s dissolution, Walter Becker moved to Hawaii and reduced his musical activity, working primarily as a record producer. In 1985, he briefly became a member of the English band China Crisis.
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen reformed Steely Dan in 1993 and remained active, recording the album Two Against Nature in 2000, which won four Grammy Awards.
Walter Becker released two solo albums, 11 Tracks of Whack (1994) and Circus Money (2008), in addition to his work with Steely Dan.
Following a brief battle with esophageal cancer, Walter Becker died on September 3, 2017.
Walter Becker was the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the jazz rock band Steely Dan, along with Donald Fagen.
3 Quotes by Walter Becker
- 1.
I’m a self-taught musician aside from what I’ve been able to pick up from other players.
Walter BeckerAmerican musician, songwriter, and record producer
- 2.
My primary influences were the best jazz players from the 50’s and 60’s and later some of the pop people from the same time period along with the better of the well known blues musicians.
Walter BeckerAmerican musician, songwriter, and record producer
- 3.
I listen to a mixture of old jazz, contemporary, pop, some world beat stuff and various odds and ends.
Walter BeckerAmerican musician, songwriter, and record producer