JIM Beard, the keyboardist for Steely Dan, has died at the age of 63.
The musician died on Saturday, March 2 in a New York City hospital due to complications from a sudden illness.
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Jim had been the touring keyboardist for the rock band over the past 16 years.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday by a representative.
The pianist, composer, and producer’s last performance with Steely Dan was on January 20 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The rocker also toured with the Eagles on their recent Long Goodbye tour.
Jim is survived by his children, Caitlin and Victor, as well as his mother Sarah, his sister Nancy Canale, and his brother Bill Beard.
JIM’S CAREER
Jim was born on August 26, 1960, in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia.
He later moved to New York in 1985, where he began his successful career as a composer with over 100 published compositions.
Much of his writing has been used in film and television, and his piano playing can be heard in many major Hollywood film scores.
The talented musician has collaborated with many renowned artists, such as John McLaughlin and Wayne Shorter, contributing to numerous albums.
He has also produced recordings for artists such as Mike Stern, Bob Berg, Eliane Elias, and Bill Evans.
See Steely Dan perform Peg on TODAY in 2000
Jim’s versatility catapulted him to the top of both jazz and pop genres as he released six solo albums, most recently his Show of Hands CD in 2013.
The artist landed seven Grammy nominations throughout his career, winning in 2007 as a featured performer on Some Skunk Funk by Randy and Michael Brecker.
Jim also appeared with the Metropole Orchestra, as well as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
As for teaching, the musician has shared his knowledge at institutions worldwide – including the Mason Gross School of Arts, Aaron Copland School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and the Sibelius Academy in Finland.
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