RIP Walter Becker

Steely Dan guitarist, bassist and co-founder, Walter Becker, died Sunday at the age of 67. Becker's official site announced his passing, but no cause of death was given.

Tributes have poured in from family, friends and fans alike...

Songwriting partner and close friend, Donald Fagen, wrote in a Facebook post, “I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can, both with the Steely Dan band. We’ll miss him forever.”



In a heart-touching tribute to her father, daughter Sayan Becker recalled growing up with him:

"You loved music more than anyone I know. You're always there bobbing your head to each beat, doing a little dance here and there, or sitting over there with your big head phones on and swaying back and forth. I could see it, your dissecting the song — listening in closely for each beat, for each musical instrument — you know, whatever you musicians do."

On Sunday, the Zac Brown Band paid homage to Becker with a live version of "Reelin’ in the Years":

If you’re not familiar with Walter Becker, here are a couple must-read articles describing his musical prowess:

• Walter Becker was a master of musical understatement, NPR
• Walter Becker obituary, The Guardian

Watch Becker's last performance with Steely Dan below, captured by a fan at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT.