Steely Dan Keyboardist Jim Beard 'Suddenly Dies' at 63 After Facing Illness

Steely Dan's touring keyboardist, Jim Beard, has died "suddenly" at 63, multiple media outlets reported.

Beard performed for the last time with Steely Dan on January 20 during the band's farewell tour in Phoenix after joining the Eagles on its Long Goodbye Tour. Less than two months later, the musician succumbed due to a sudden illness.

Jim Beard Dead at 63

USA Today cited a statement from a representative who disclosed Beard's passing. The longtime keyboardist for Steely Dan reportedly died on March 2 after suffering from health complications due to a yet-to-be-disclosed condition.

Beard was surrounded by his loved ones at a New York City hospital at the time of his death, the representative added.

His family has yet to release the details about his funeral and memorial services.

Following the news, Beard's friends, colleagues and fans took to X - formerly Twitter - to express their heartbreak after the massive loss. Some also honored his legacy by sharing videos of his past performances.

Drummer 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. This pic is just from last year when we recorded Mike Stern's album, which he was producing. Will miss you, dear Jim."

"Jim Beard, RIP. Pictured here with Eliane Elias in 1988. 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," said Peter Erskine.

"RIP Jim Beard, keyboard maestro, member of the Steely Dan Band and extensive work with Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker and many others. One of the greats," one fan tweeted.

Remembering Jim Beard's Legacy

From Pennsylvania, Beard moved to New York in 1985, where he launched his career in the music industry as a composer. Most of his published compositions made it to major Hollywood films, and they opened doors for him to collaborate with other hit artists like Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Bob Berg, Bill Evans, Eliane Elias and Mike Stern, to name a few.

Among the albums he worked on included "Song of the Sun," "Lost at the Carnival," "Chunks and Chairknobs" and "Advocate."

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