Walter Becker

Today we mourn the death of bassist-guitarist musician, songwriter, and music producer Walter Becker of Steely Dan, dead at the age of 67.  As of this writing, no cause of death has been announced.

Another rocker who experienced a terrible childhood and much heartbreak in his life has met an untimely end.   

Steely Dan started out as two songwriters noodling around in their college dorm at Bard College and, later, as the backup band for a group popular in the 1960's, Jay and the Americans.
Becker, like me, was born in New York City borough of Queens.  And, like me, he graduated from one of three specialty public high schools in New York City that required an entrance exam.

But that is where the resemblance ends.

Steely Dan fused jazz and rock together with lyrics that were such a pleasure to hear.  

Not bad for a group who named themselves for...er, a female pleasure device in a William Burroughs novel.

Rickie Lee Jones wrote a tribute to Walker Becker - I will let her do the heavy lifting in today's post.

Here are some of my favorite Steely Dan songs.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number, from 1973's Pretzel Logic album.

Aja (pronounced Asia) - I just love the lyrics - and oh, that drumming at the end.

Kid Charlemagne from 1976 - those lyrics, oh, those lyrics.

And finally, Do It Again from "Can't Buy a Thrill" in 1972.

Another music icon of my generation gone, along with lyrics and melodies unlike any other.

Tomorrow, join me for "Music Moves Me" and songs of September.