Steely Dan Keyboardist, Jim Beard dies at 63

Jim Beard has passed away. The keyboardist of Steely Dan, died on Saturday in a New York City hospital at 63

Deadline reports the musician died 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 announced Beard's death on its website.

Beard, who was born in Pennsylvania, shifted to New York in 1985 and performed with Steely Dan, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin and Wayne Shorter globally.

Beard is credited for 100 published compositions throughout his career. He worked with artists like John McLaughlin and Michael Brecker, and produced work for Mike Stern, Bob Berg, Bill Evans, Eliane Elias and others.

Beard was also a seven-time GRAMMY nominee and one-time winner, having performed with the Metropole Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra,

He also performed in several major festivals.

Beard, who joined Steely Dan in 2008, had been touring along with them recently. His last performance with the band was Jan. 20 in Phoenix, Arizona, as per Entertainment Tonight.