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It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jim Beard, a talented solo artist and keyboardist who toured with Steely Dan. He was 63 years old. Beard passed away on March 2 in a New York City hospital due to complications from a sudden illness, surrounded by his loved ones.
Steely Dan expressed their sorrow on their website, stating, “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague, Jim Beard 1960-2024.” Beard joined Steely Dan in 2008 and had been actively touring with the band as part of the Eagles’ “Long Goodbye” tour.
His final performance with the band took place on January 20 in Phoenix, AZ. Born on August 26, 1960, in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Beard collaborated with jazz icons such as Wayne Shorter and John McLaughlin. He also released six solo albums and shared his knowledge by teaching at various music schools around the world.
Jim Beard is survived by his son Victor, daughter Caitlin, mother Sarah, sister Nancy Canale, and brother Bill Beard. The current lineup of Steely Dan includes Keith Carlock on drums, Freddie Washington on bass, Jon Herington on guitar, Walt Weiskopf and Roger Rosenberg on saxes, Michael Leonhart on trumpet, Jim Pugh on trombone, and vocalists Carolyn Leonhart, Catherine Russell, LaTanya Hall, and Cindy Mizelle.
