Walter Carl Becker (February 20, 1950 – September 3, 2017) was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer best known as the co-founder of the rock band Steely Dan. Renowned for his sophisticated songwriting, jazz-influenced guitar playing, and sharp lyrical wit, Becker helped create some of the most critically acclaimed albums in rock history.
Early Life
Walter Becker was born in Queens, New York City and grew up in the borough’s Forest Hills neighborhood. As a teenager he developed a strong interest in blues and jazz guitar, drawing inspiration from artists such as Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker.
In 1967, Becker enrolled at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, where he met keyboardist and songwriter Donald Fagen. The two quickly formed a musical partnership that would last for decades.
Formation of Steely Dan
In the late 1960s, Becker and Fagen moved to Los Angeles and began working as songwriters. In 1972 they formed Steely Dan, assembling a group of studio musicians to record their songs.
Their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972), produced hit singles such as Do It Again and Reelin’ in the Years. The band soon became known for its unique blend of rock, jazz, pop, and R&B, along with complex arrangements and meticulous studio production.
After early touring years, Becker and Fagen stopped performing live in 1974 and focused exclusively on studio work. This approach produced highly polished albums including:
Pretzel Logic (1974)
The Royal Scam (1976)
Aja (1977) – widely considered their masterpiece
Gaucho (1980)
Hiatus and Later Work
After the release of Gaucho, Steely Dan went on hiatus during the 1980s. Becker moved to Hawaii, where he worked as a producer for artists including Rickie Lee Jones and China Crisis.
He also released his first solo album, 11 Tracks of Whack, in 1994.
Steely Dan Reunion
Becker and Fagen revived Steely Dan in the 1990s and began touring again. In 2000 they released Two Against Nature, which won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. The band later released Everything Must Go in 2003.
In 2001, Becker and Fagen were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their major influence on rock and pop music.
Death
Walter Becker died on September 3, 2017, at the age of 67. Although the exact cause of death was not publicly confirmed, he had reportedly been suffering from health complications related to esophageal cancer.
Legacy
Walter Becker is remembered as one of the most sophisticated songwriters in rock music. His partnership with Donald Fagen produced songs known for their cryptic lyrics, dark humor, and jazz-influenced musicianship. Albums like Aja remain benchmarks of studio production and musical precision.