MUSIC

Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard dead at 63

March 6th, 2024

Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard has died, a representative for the musician confirmed to Fox News Digital. He was 63 years old.

Beard died after complications from an illness in a New York hospital on Saturday "surrounded by loved ones," his rep said.

He last performed with Steely Dan on January 20th in Phoenix while playing with the band on the Eagles "Long Goodbye" tour.

Alison Training Health


Along with being a keyboardist, he was also a pianist, composer, producer and arranger.

Beard was born in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, on August 26, 1960, and became well known for his solo jazz music as well as his work with legends like Wayne Shorter, and John McLaughlin.

Beard is survived by his son and daughter, Victor and Caitlin Beard, and by his mother, Sarah, sister Nancy Canale, and brother, Bill Beard.

Suggested Reading

Quantum Criminals: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers, and Other Sole Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan

Steely Dan’s songs are exercises in fictional world-building. No one else in the classic-rock canon has conjured a more vivid cast of rogues and heroes, creeps and schmucks, lovers and dreamers and cold-blooded operators—or imbued their characters with so much humanity. Pulling from history, lived e...

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you accept our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.