Walter Becker Obituary

remarkable producer..and an elegant guitar player..

Eversince I was 2 years old I've been listening to Steely Dan and those guitar riffs of Walter Becker. This really hurts big time for me. Besides my father's death the passing of Walter left a void in my heart that may never be replaced. I will definitely miss him without a doubt. Rest well WCB.

May there be a new generation of rock and roll fans who will keep the memory as well as admiration of Steely Dan's music alive while reeling in the years and stowing away the time!

A musical giant...One half of the greatest songwriting team in Rock and Roll history.
They wrote the music of my life. Rest in peace Walter...I wonder if you'll run into that "Junky Girl" you wrote about?

My heart is broken. I so love him and his music. I wish I could have known Walter personally, but, his music alone is a gift. I am so sorry for Walter's family, loved ones and the world. Thank you, Delia, for your lovely words and the explanation of his struggle. So glad it was a peaceful transition and he was surrounded by those that mattered the most. Peace and love to all.

To the family & friends of Walter: Obviously, he is missed and has been a huge influence on so many artists. I wish you peace and blessings. Thank you for sharing him with the world.

Walter Becker was the BEST.
I listen to your music since I was 10
Now I am 57 and I am in love with it.
Thank you Walter !

Thank you Walter for the wonderful music the story of my life is in those songs you produced with Donald. They help me through life in general and are great as my go to place, my rock.You are sorely missed, my condolences to your family and the rest of the band.

Didn't fully appreciate and have an admiration for the music of Steely Dan until the year of 1993. As a pre-teen, I'd hear "Reeling in the Years", but had a preference for R and B music. I was assigned to a promotions company through a temporary service in Miami, Florida in 1993. My genre of music is Christian Contemporary/Gospel. However, as my favorite melodic instruments are piano, keyboard, saxophone, trumpet, and bass guitar I was fascinated with the time changes and jazz undertones of a mixed Steely Dan CD. My favorite song collaborations that featured Walter Becker and Donald Fagen are "Deacon Blues, Aja, Josie, and Home at Last". I was truly sad to hear of Walter Becker's passing on September 10, 2017. He was an excellent musician and guitarist in his own right. Someone left a comment of condolences with a "Deacon Blues" recording on YouTube. He is truly missed, and I will pray for his wife and children.

One of the best memories of my life is taking my JBL speakers out to my parents back yard and playing Steely Dan Albums.
The music made me feel so good I thought it must be magic. Thank you so much Walter


Favorite Song: Dr Wu

Jim Connell

[email protected]

nothing to do but feed all the kangaroos...

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends .May God grant you strength, as you reflect on His promise to do away with sickness and death forever. (Isaiah 33;24 & 25:8). We all are looking forward to a time when death will be SWALLOWED up forever. He was such a talented musician

You and Donald were a wonderful experience to listen to! God Bless! And RIP, WALTER BECKER! WILL MISS YOU; BUT YOUR MUSIC LIVES ON HERE ON EARTH!

Thank You for Your timely Music.... and What great memories..... R.I.P.......thou goesth........ My deepest sympathy to All your Family and Friends.....etc.....

I'm almost 62 and the music of Steely Dan is the music I've listened to the most. Thanks Mr. Becker!

Knew they would never take you alive. Thanks for all the joy

Words cannot expressed how devastated I am of Walter's passing. I've been listening to Steely Dan since I was 2 years old. I've been hooked on the Dan since I heard Peg on the radio and of course Walter's guitar riffs. It hurts me that I didn't get a chance to meet him. May his legacy live on.

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father , who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by mean of underserved kindnesses, comfort yours hearts and make you firm."-2Thess.2:16, 17.

Who knew just seeing to believe
from this trip we were on
Coming close to figuring you out
Seeing a familiar face in my rear view mirror
standing by never losing touch ....

Always loved the music 914

The 1970s were the time of my adolescence, and like so many, I feel so blessed to have been around to hear your music. I grew up in the Cleveland suburbs where WMMS broadcast Steely Dan heavily. I imagine that it must have cost you and Donald more than your fans would ever know to put your brains, hearts and souls into composing such thrilling music. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for all of your hard work. I and so many others have great memories because of your music. Rest in peace. You were one of a kind.

You've got some good people out there for company

Dear Walter,

What a special person to remain mostly in the background while composing some of our most unique and wonderful songs. We are lucky that you and Donald met at Bard College after each being raised on jazz and soul, and that you fused it all into that unique Dan sound. Not to mention the biting, mysterious, insightful lyrics. Two of my favorite first-time listening experiences are 'Day Tripper' in my Mom's car and 'Bodhisattva' in my boss's truck. I'm glad you heard 'No Reply' and Donald 'Ticket To Ride' and decided "We can do this." Your presence in the world will be missed but will live on through your songs.

With gratitude,

Brian Kies

Dear Mr. Fagen (Donald): I had the marvelous good fortune to chance upon you and speak with you briefly on Toronto's Bloor Street West (near Avenue Road) in the summer of 2014, whereupon I stated that Steely Dan is my favourite band. You were very gracious to agree to convey my Best Wishes to the rest of the band. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the recent passing of your partner and co-founder, Walter Becker. I share your loss profoundly. Sincerely, Victor C. Ernst, Toronto, Canada.

Still unbelievable....my husband & I listen to your music daily! & bragged about obtaining tickets to the upcoming concert. I immediately tried to get a refund because I thought it would be too difficult but may Mr. Fagan & the band play on in your honor. I'll be in tears but wouldn't dare miss (what will be a phenomenal tribute). Rest in paradise,genius. .. JOB WELL DONE!!

Have a beautiful journey Walter

You'll always be with us Doctor Wu. Your brilliance will shine for eternity. Thank you for your music, for creating a genre of music we could actually listen to the words and spend a lifetime figuring out. Jazz? Rock? Fusion? Yes. Can you hear me Doctor? We'll always love and miss you. RIP Walter.

My life was touched over the decades by the music of Steely Dan. The music, the voices, the snark of their unique genre will never be replicated again. As we pay our last respects to Walter - embrace the nuances that will inevitably appear. A life lived, a life loved forever in the contributions he made to our lives. Thank you Walter, and bless your family.

Love you, Major Dude.
You made the world laugh and sing.
What could be better than that?

JosiePeg Deacon-Blues

I just want you to know Walter touched many lives. He will be missed.

My condolence to the Becker Family and Friends. I was sad when I heard the news. Walter was a very good man. He cared and appreciated those around him, always went out of his way to ask about what's going on with you. Walter Becker, you will be missed.

My brother , who knows I am a huge fan let me know the sad sad news, and I am having a hard time getting over it. You have been part of life for 45 years, since the age of 17.
Saw you play live twice in the uk, it took days to come down from the legal high that was your music.Keep on noodling away on the guitar up there you a Bodacious Cowboy.RIP ❤

My level of sadness cannot be explained
Now we celebrate a life complete
Rest in peace Walter Becker

My heart so heavy when i heard the news. Walter a musical genius a musicians musician only now will he be able to realize how much his music touched the world. When meeting Donald back in 1993 i was so interested in their musical partnership their friendship and exquiste musical interplay and connection with each other. I was so happy to hear that its important to Donald that the memory of Steely Dan and their music continues and lives on as a salute and complete respect to Walter Becker. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him always

May God's comfort & peace be to the family, friends & fans. Steely Dan was a very unique band. Thank you, Mr. Becker, for all the wonderful music. Rest in Peace.
+Psalms 121+

So sorry for your loss may the God of comfort, comfort your families and friends. My deepest and sincere condolences in this time of grief.

In 1996 I travelled from Jeddah Saudi Arabia to see Steely Dan in Dublin,
They said on that night they would be back however that was not to happen until next month. In the meantime I sourced two tickets and a friend and I flew to Boston and went the see them in the Foxwoods casino Connecticut three years ago.a great night , I will be at the two concerts in Dublin in October to remember Walter. Sean Dublin 14 . Thanks for the MUSIC.

My heart is heavy, your music is the soundtrack to my life, thank God for you

PURE INDISPUTABLE GENIUS----HIS STOIC AMBASSADOR OF COOLNESS RESONATED IN EVERY WORK HE EMBRACED !!!! WE HAVE ALL LOST A PIECE OF OUR CONSCIENCE---OUR INTERNAL MIRROR---- GOOD BUY WONDEROUS MESSENGER ---WE ALL OWE A DEBT THAT CANT BE REPAID!!!! (TP) PENNSYLVANIA

Your music was the soundtrack to the best & worst years of my life. I couldn't have gotten thru them without it. You can't be replaced but you will live on forever. I haven't gotten up the courage to listen to you yet but I know your music is waiting for me. I also know I'll cry like a baby when I do. Strength & Peace to your family & friends.

Steely Dan music was a huge part of the soundtrack of my life. Timeless, literary, soulful, jazzy, rocking great music that always inspires, uplifts, validates my feelings, and brings me sheer joy. I had the pleasure of seeing the Dan several times, most recently at the last night of the Vegas residency which I believe is now the penultimate concert at which Walter performed. He was noticeably missing at Classic West and I got an uneasy feeling when he did not take the stage and after Donald's announcement of his illness. Rest now, brother Walter. Thanks for your amazing musical legacy.

I didn't personally know Mr. Walter Becker, but I'm so sad with his death. It's because I grew up listening to the band forever it seemed, ingrained in my very core. This hurts. You will be missed genius, rest in peace, love you

I am crushed....a fan longer than I care to remember. Saw him more than a dozen times over the years...last year at the Hollywood Bowl opening night and again this past April in Vegas at the Venetian. Words have no way to express the dismay and shock I feel at this genius man passing. I can not think of a time when Steely Dan and Becker and Fagan were not the moral compass of my life and how much they influenced who I am. My sons (now grown men) know the words to every steely dan song as they grew up hearing them over and over. I wish I could pay a fitting tribute to this man and thank him for his music and his swagger and humor and longevity. His passing is a mile marker of my age as well and that's OK because I can not imagine a life without him and Fagan playing the music I have held so dear to me. To his family , you should know that he was loved by many and revered as deity in the world of rock and jazz. There are people you know of that leave a mark onhumanity and make us the better for it...and I shall always feel that way about your lost loved one Walter...you may put a star in the book of liars by my name!

I was so fortunate to see SD at the Gorge one year and just a couple years ago at Whiteriver. They were and still are my favorite group. In the 70s, I bought the Aja album I was 12 years old. I would listen to it over and over again. I still do. Rest in peace Walter Becker and Donald? I am so very sorry for your loss of not just your musical partner but also your best friend. Praying for you.

Becker Family, Friends,
Fans,

Sorry to hear of the loss of another entertainer. Our hearts, condolences and prayers are with the family. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.

Steely Dan.one of my favorites. most listened to music while i'm driving. RIP

Thank you man.

You will remain vibrant, alive forever through your sublime guitar rifts and brilliant lyrics. Rest In Peace Walter.

I am so sorry for your loss. May you have Kindness and Peace from God our Father and the lord Jesus Christ. 2cor; 1:2

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Becker family and friends at this difficult time.

Rest in peace

A tremendous loss to his fans, the music community, and a devastating loss to his family and friends. I will always be grateful for his contributions to my music education. RIP and vaya con Dios!

R.I.P. walter , you always were awesum in all the performances I saw I saw you on every tour since 1993, you cured what always ailed me when I heard your wit and wisdom in your songs, I hope you DO IT AGAIN in heaven and get a band together with Cornelius bumpus and the other steely dan alumni up there with you, my memories will last a lifetime

May Walter be in a better place playing rifts that only he can play. Prayers and condolences to his family and close friends. Many thanks to Walter for his musical contributions and arrangements - arguably the best written and arranged material of its time. Rest in Peace.

RIP Walter Becker

May Walter rest in peace, though he is gone ,his music will be with us forever, Prayers for his family and those who had the pleasure ever to perform with him and his band, RIP Walter you will be missex

To the family of Mr. Becker, my condolences on his passing. May you find comfort in the memories you have of him. Thank you for sharing him with the world. His music will live forever. Great memories growing up listening to him.

Rest in Peace and thank you for your music. It has gotten me through the years, good and bad. May your family and friends be comforted by the fun memories and your love. I will miss Steely Dan concerts, but thank God we have your music forever!

Walter, thank you for the timeless gift of music. May God bless you and your family and provide comfort to those you leave behind.

Steely Dan's cynical lyrics snap was never as bad as its bite, and it was set to the backdrop of the fusion sounds of elegance and sophistication, making every room that it filled much cooler. Thank you for this gift Mr. Becker.

Walter, thanks for all the beautiful and timeless music. Your music didn't leave my mind after hearing about your passing. RIP.

Black Cow just played on the radio.Walter,your's and Donald's music will always be timeless here.We will continue to enjoy it. Thanks for the tunes man .

May heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Walter. May God comfort and strengthen you this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers

I will miss you . Seen you and Don, Summer 2015. Awesome show. Fan since 1970,s. My favorite band of all time. Thank you for making me laugh and cry.

What a truly sad day it is to have lost one of the most influencial group member of our lifetime. Walters lyrics were catchy, creative, cynical, yet true to life. I can't tell you there wasn't a day that went by that we (my husband and myself) didn't live the phrases, they were so ahead of their time. Being my husband's favorite group of all time I began to understand their lyrics and became mine as well. Never thought in life that they would tour, but when they started we had seen them at least 10 times. Every show fantastic. I feel extremely lucky to have seen them so many times, it was a dream for us as big fans. Thankyou walter for giving us great music, I/we will forever miss you. You will be in our hearts forever.

Couldn't think of a Christmas present for my wife one year. Heard Steely Dan singing "Green Ear Rings". Problem solved! Thank you, Mr. Becker, for sharing with us your sparkle and shine. You will be missed.

My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the legendary Walter Becker's family, friends and fans during this time of grief and great loss.

Just a big fan of they're music. It always brought back memories of a simpler time for me.
Rest in peace Mr Becker and may God watch over the family and friends that you leave behind to mourn your passing.

Great man gone too soon. Stay in the " groove " !
pete
Moosup,Ct.

Steely Dan had a very very unique sounding style of music. Thank you for all the nights waiting for "Rikki, Don't Lose My Number" to play on the radio. My thoughts go out to Walter's friends, band mates and family. An original musician.

Walter, wherever you are, I've long joked that I must be your biggest fan because I love your solo albums so much. Three copies of 11 Tracks of Whack here. Just to be safe, you know. It was an instant hit with me over twenty years ago, and I still adore it today. I was jumping for joy when I learned Circus Money was coming. I pre-ordered it and fell in love with it as well. So sorry I never got to tell you how appreciated you were in this life. It was always cool to see you get your turn at the mic during Steely Dan shows, and I'd clap extra hard for you since Donald usually got all the attention ;) I hope you are feeling the love from all of your fans. We will miss you and cherish the legacy you left for us.

Well the danger on the rocks is surely past.
Still I remain tied to the mast.
Could it be that I have found my home at last?
Home at last.

RIP Walter Becker

VERY NICE GUY AS WELL AS GREAT MUSIC ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU

"RIKKI DON'T LOSE MY NUMBER", the best ROCK & ROLL music of the mid 70's my senior year in high school. I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET THIS GREAT MUSIC....THANKS for the memories........BLESSINGS

Thank you for enriching my life throughout the decades.

We will miss your genius, I have many a fond memory of your great music, rest in peace oh Great one!

Thanks for so many great memories thru your music!

Heaven is putting together one heck of a band this year... We will miss Walter so much! I pray his family will be comforted by the many memories he left you!!

Spanning 50 years and countless, enjoyable and intriguing hours listening to music from Steely Dan. A testament to your spirit and so freely given. Thank you!

Webgurl

Best thougts to his family and friends; I have great memories of the music. And am playing Countdown now.

Home at last. Home at last.

RIP Walter! Blessings and prayers to your family and friends! Great talent heading to heaven.

My deepest condolence goes to Walter Becker's family and friends. My family and I really enjoyed Walter Becker's music. It's so sad that he has passed away. May God be with Walter's family and friends to give comfort and peace. May you meditate on and have faith in God's word. - Psalm 145:18,19

I have loved your music for 45 years. You had such a talent and sense of humor and brought a lot of joy to our lives. I regret that I never was able to hear you in concert. I was going to buy a ticket for the fall tour. Thanks for the wonderful music and I hope you know how much you were loved by your fans. My thoughts and condolences go out to your family. Be at peace my friend, you were truly a gift to the world.

There are only a handful of groups that meant as much to me as Steely Dan. Walter Becker's death is a real loss., and I've been playing his music ever since. He and I were the same age, which is another reason this hits me hard. But he will be remembered forever.

No words. Just turn on the music and turn it up. RIP,Walter.

The music you created brought happiness to me and millions of others. My prayers and condolences to the Becker family.

His music changed my life, and helped direct it.

Walter's music will live on in so many hearts. Major dude who will never be forgotten.

My thoughts, prayers are with the Becker family, may you find the comfort in the coming days to come.

RIP Walter "no static at all "

A true musical legend. Steely Dan had a huge impact on my life. I have all of their albums, both together and solo, and have gone to see them at every opportunity I can since I first saw them at Saratoga Springs in 1993. My friends and I have been fans since I first heard them in 1974. Walter's musical influence will be dearly missed.

Dude- You were part of the greatest music in my life. Thank you. Oh- you made me laugh too. So sad to hear you passing so young. Love you forever.

Walter, May God hold you and keep you in the palm of his hands. Thank you for sharing your gifts of music with us. You ARE a " Major Dude" ! Love Always,
The Finn Family....Tom, Mary Rose and Sarah.

Truly sorry to hear about Walter Becker's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise. (Luke23:43)

Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Walter and his band were truly gifted. I loved and still love his music since the 70's. May family and friends help you to cope in this time of great sadness. (John 5:25).