Walter Becker

Profession: Musician and Record Producer

Biography: Along with Donald Fagen, Becker was the co-founder of the jazz rock group Steely Dan, with which he has sold more than 40 million albums.

Becker and Fagen met while attending Bard College in New York's Hudson River Valley. They shared a common interest in jazz, and worked together as musicians, including a stint with touring band for Jay and the Americans, while trying to establish themselves as songwriters in NYC's famed Brill Building. Their point of view was not easily interpreted by other artists.

The pair relocated to Los Angeles and formed their own group, with Becker as bassist and Fagen on keyboards, continuing as a songwriting team. In 1974, they decided to stop touring and became a studio band with a rotating cast of additional musicians. The original incarnation lasted from 1971 to 1981, experiencing both commercial and critical acclaim for their seven studio albums, especially "Aja" (1977).

While the band was on hiatus he produced well-regarded records for the English band China Crisis, singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones, and a solo effort by bandmate Donald Fagen.

When the duo reunited as a touring band in 1993, Becker assumed guitar duties. They released two additional studio discs before his death.

With the group, he won 3 Grammy Awards, and in 2001, was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Born: February 20, 1950
Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: September 3, 2017 (aged 67)
Cause of Death: Esophageal cancer