Walter Becker

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Walter Carl Becker was born on February 20, 1950, in Queens, New York City. He grew up in Forest Hills and Scarsdale, New York, raised by his father and grandmother after his parents separated. His mother, who he believed was deceased during his childhood, was actually living in England, a fact he discovered later in life. Becker initially played the saxophone but switched to guitar, receiving blues instruction from neighbor Randy California, who later formed the band Spirit. While attending Bard College, he met Donald Fagen, and they formed the band Leather Canary, which included Chevy Chase on drums. This marked the beginning of their collaboration that would lead to the creation of Steely Dan.

Career Highlights

Becker and Fagen's partnership flourished as they became the co-founders of Steely Dan, a band known for its unique blend of jazz and rock music. After the band's initial breakup in the 1980s, Becker moved to Maui, where he embraced a quieter lifestyle as an avocado rancher and a critic of contemporary music. He produced albums for various artists, including Rickie Lee Jones and Michael Franks, while also collaborating with Fagen on projects like Rosie Vela's debut album in 1986. Becker's solo work includes notable albums such as "11 Tracks of Whack" and "Circus Money."

Personal Life

Walter Becker's personal life included two marriages; first to Juanna Fatouros in 1975 and later to Elinor Roberta Meadows in 1984, with whom he had a son, Kawai, and an adopted daughter, Sayan. They divorced in 1997. Becker wrote the song "Little Kawai" for his son, which appeared on his solo album. At the time of his death in 2017, he was married to Delia Cioffi. Becker's legacy as a musician and songwriter continues to influence artists across genres, solidifying his place in music history.