Jim Beard, who was a solo artist and also played keyboards for Steely Dan during the last 16 years, passed away at the age of 63. The group’s spokesperson confirmed the news in a statement on March 6, mentioning that the talented musician died on March 2 due to complications from a sudden illness. Surrounded by loved ones, he passed away in a New York hospital, leaving a legacy that touches the myriad corners of the jazz and rock communities.
Beard’s remarkable journey as a musician was carved out early in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, where he was born on August 26, 1960. His foray into the world of jazz saw him studying at Indiana University, alongside talents like session drummer Kenny Aronoff and trumpet player Chris Botti. Post-graduation, he set roots in New York in 1985, quickly becoming a fixture in the vibrant music scene there.
A multi-faceted musical career saw him not only perform but also compose and produce, working with a roster of musical greats that reads like a who’s who of jazz and beyond. From Wayne Shorter to John McLaughlin, Dizzy Gillespie to the Brecker Brothers, and even rock guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, Beard’s proficiency on the keys and his creative compositions found him in the company of legends.
His collaborations were not just limited to performances, but extended to his 100 published compositions and numerous contributions to scores for television and movies. Such was the scope of his talent that he was honored with seven Grammy nominations, winning once in 2007 for his work on “Some Skunk Funk” with Randy and Michael Brecker.
On the live performance front, his most recent outings were part of the Eagles’ “Long Goodbye” tour. The last time Beard performed with Steely Dan was on January 20 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ, marking the end of a season of spirited shows that fans will remember fondly.
Beard was also a dedicated educator, imparting his knowledge at illustrious institutions such as the Berklee College of Music, the Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University, the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York, and the Sibelius Academy in Finland. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians speaks to the immense passion he had for his craft.
In a statement, Steely Dan paid tribute to their friend and colleague, echoing the sentiments of loss and respect from the music community. Pat Metheny, a frequent collaborator, lauded Beard as a visionary, “one of the few people around whose insight into the past is complete enough to take him to the future.” Metheny awaited each of Beard’s new releases “with anticipation,” a testament to the high regard in which his peers held him.
Jim Beard’s indelible impact on music is survived by his children, Victor and Caitlin; his mother, Sarah; his sister, Nancy; and his brother, Bill. While the music world mourns the loss of a true giant, his artistry will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences and musicians alike, ensuring that his musical legacy will endure.
Metheny called Beard “one of the few people around whose insight into the past is complete enough to take him to the future, and with a highly refined and subtle musicality at work, he is one musician from whom I always await each new release with anticipation.”
Relevant articles:
– Jim Beard, Steely Dan Keyboardist, Dies at 63, Variety
– Jim Beard, Steely Dan Keyboardist, Dies at 63, Billboard
– Jim Beard, Keyboardist for Steely Dan, Dies at 63, The Hollywood Reporter, Mar 6, 2024