Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard has passed away at the age of 63, confirmed by a representative for the musician.
Beard died on Saturday in a New York hospital due to complications from an illness, according to his representative, who stated he was "surrounded by loved ones."
Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard dead at 63 https://t.co/tX7KPaAk22 pic.twitter.com/B4y2jlXpgB
— New York Post (@nypost) March 6, 2024
Having joined Steely Dan in 2008, Beard's last performance with the band was on January 20th in Phoenix during the Eagles' "Long Goodbye" tour.
In addition to his role as a keyboardist, Beard was recognized as a pianist, composer, producer, and arranger.
Born on August 26, 1960, in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, he gained prominence for his solo jazz work and collaborations with notable figures like Wayne Shorter and John McLaughlin.
Throughout his career, Beard recorded with a variety of artists including Dizzy Gillespie, the Brecker Brothers, Dianne Reeves, Meshell Ndegeocello, Toninho Horta, and Steve Vai.
His extensive catalog of over 100 compositions found use in various media such as movies, TV, and radio, with credits including Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Blue Note, Verve, Columbia, NBC, ABC, and CBS/Sony.
Beard contributed to numerous movie scores as a pianist and performed with esteemed orchestras like the Metropole Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, as well as at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Royal Festival Hall in London, according to his discography.
As a solo artist, Beard released six albums, beginning with "Song of the Sun" in 1990 and concluding with 2013's "Show of Hands."
His remarkable career garnered him seven Grammy Award nominations, with a win in 2007 as a featured performer on "Some Skunk Funk" with the Brecker Brothers.
Many musicians mourned Beard’s death, including jazz drummer Peter Erskine, whose statement was noted by the Guardian: “Jim Beard, RIP … Jim was the glue and such a great presence on so many projects. I’m going to miss the man, his wit and his musical incisiveness. You made a difference, Jim.”
Drummer and composer Antonio Sanchez added: “I can not believe the great Jim Beard is gone. What an untimely loss. He was such a gentle soul and an insanely talented artist … Will miss you, dear Jim.”
Jim Beard is survived by his son and daughter, Victor and Caitlin Beard, as well as his mother, Sarah, sister Nancy Canale, and brother, Bill Beard.
