Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard dies at 63 after sudden illness

Jim Beard, the longtime keyboardist for Steely Dan, has died.

Beard passed away March 2 at age 63 following complications due to a sudden illness. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death at a New York City hospital, according to a representative.

The renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer and arranger had been touring with Steely Dan as they resumed their opening slot on the Eagles’ farewell tour this year. His last show with the band was Jan. 20 in Phoenix.

Along with his 16-year tenure in Steely Dan, Beard worked with numerous top jazz artists including Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny and John Scofield.

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Born in Philadelphia, Beard’s career as a musician began in childhood, when he started piano lessons at age 7. He toured as a teenager with the American Youth Jazz Orchestra and studied jazz music at Indiana University.  

As a professional musician emerging in New York, Beard wrote compositions for McLaughlin (“The Wait”), Michael Brecker (“The Gentleman and Hizcaine”) and Bob Berg (“Riddle Me This”) among his prolific output.

His musical reach also extended beyond jazz as he joined contemporary artists such as John Mayer and Steve Vai in the studio and stage.

In 2007, Beard won a Grammy Award (best large jazz ensemble) as a featured performed on Randy and Michael Brecker’s “Some Skunk Funk.”

In addition to releasing seven albums during his career – the most recent, “Chunks and Chairknobs” with Jon Herington, in 2019 – Beard taught at several esteemed music institutions including Berklee College of Music and the Sibelius Academy in Finland.  

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