Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard dies at 63

Music

By Erin Keller

Jim Beard, Steely Dan’s touring soloist and keyboardist, has died. He was 63 years old.

Beard’s representative told The Post in a statement that Beard died on March 2 in a New York City hospital surrounded by loved ones from complications due to a sudden illness.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague. Jim Beard 1960-2024,” the band wrote in their website.

He had been a member of Steely Dan since 2008 and had recently toured with the band on the Eagles’ current “Long Goodbye” tour.

Beard’s last performance with the band occurred on January 20 in Phoenix, AZ.

Born August 26, 1960 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Beard worked with jazz legends Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin and many others, and also released six solo albums.

He also taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, the Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University, the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York, and the Sibelius Academy in Finland.

He is survived by his son and daughter, Victor and Caitlin Beard, and his mother, Sarah, his sister Nancy Canale and his brother Bill Beard.

Steely Dan’s current lineup includes Keith Carlock (drums), Freddie Washington (bass), Jon Herington (guitar), Walt Weiskopf and Roger Rosenberg (saxes), Michael Leonhart (trumpet), Jim Pugh (trombone), and vocalists Carolyn Leonhart. Catherine Russell, LaTanya Hall and Cindy Mizelle.