On Saturday (3.03,) keyboardist and singer with Steely Dan, Jim Beard passed away at the age of 63, in a New York City hospital.
Due to complications related to a sudden illness, a rep for Beard told People magazine that he had been surrounded by loved ones when he died.
Following a successful career as a jazz musician, Beard won a Grammy in 2007 for his work on the record Some Skunk Funk and subsequently joined Steely Dan in 2008 as a touring musician, playing keyboards and singing back-up vocals.
In a statement about Jim’s passing, the remaining members of Steely Dan took to their official website writing “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague,”
Most recently, Beard was on the road with the pop rock group in support of music legends The Eagles on their final tour. His final stage appearance was on January 20 where he performed in front an 18,000+ audience at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jim Beard is survived by his two children, son Victor and daughter Caitlin Beard.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Raph_PH