Jim Beard, keyboardist for Steely Dan, dies aged 63

Jim Beard, a keyboardist for Steely Dan, has died at 63, according to multiple reports.

Beard, a musician also known for his collaborations with jazz legends including Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin and Wayne Shorter, died in a New York City hospital on Saturday, Deadline reports, citing a representative of Beard.

According to the representative, Beard died from complications due to a sudden illness, the outlet reported.

Born in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, in 1960, Beard moved to New York in 1985 to pursue his musical career. Since then, he had toured globally with various musicians and recorded with artists in a wide range of musical styles, his website biography said.

Throughout his career, Beard published more than 100 compositions featured on recordings by McLaughlin, Michael Brecker and other musicians and in books including The New Real Book. In addition to his appearances with the Metropole Orkest, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Beard performed in various festivals across the US and in countries including Canada, France, the Netherlands and Japan.

Beard’s music productions and compositions have been nominated for multiple Grammy awards. In addition, he was a featured performer on the live album Some Skunk Funk, which won two Grammys in 2007.

In 2008, Beard joined the US rock band Steely Dan as a keyboardist. His last performance with the band was on 20 January in Phoenix, Arizona, Deadline reports.

Beard is survived by his two children, Victor and Caitlin; his mother, Sarah; his brother, Bill Beard; and his sister, Nancy Canale.

Many musicians mourned Beard’s death, with jazz drummer Peter Erskine writing: “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 wrote: “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.”

Meanwhile, saxophonist and producer Ben Wendel wrote: “Thank you for everything Jim Beard. You were a musical giant and inspiration to so many. I am incredibly grateful I had a chance to hang with you and get a little insight into your genius.”