Walter Becker

Acting

Biography

Walter Carl Becker (February 20, 1950 – September 3, 2017) was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the jazz rock band Steely Dan. Becker met future songwriting partner Donald Fagen while they were students at Bard College. After a brief period of activity in New York City, the two moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and formed the nucleus of Steely Dan, which enjoyed a critically and commercially successful ten-year career. Following the group's dissolution, Becker moved to Hawaii and reduced his musical activity, working primarily as a record producer. In 1985, he briefly became a member of the English band China Crisis, producing and playing synthesizer on their album Flaunt the Imperfection. Becker and Fagen reformed Steely Dan in 1993 and remained active, recording Two Against Nature (2000), which won four Grammy Awards. Becker released two solo albums, 11 Tracks of Whack (1994) and Circus Money (2008). Following a brief battle with esophageal cancer, he died on September 3, 2017. He and Fagen are the only two members of Steely Dan who appeared on every studio album by the band.

Known For

7.7

A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.

Classic Albums

1997Series

9.0

The greatest singers and songwriters play their music and tell the stories behind their greatest songs on this acclaimed VH1 music performance series. Each one-hour episode takes viewers behind the scenes with a single artist or group featuring intimate musical performances and the first-hand stories behind the performer's hits and sentimental favorites.

VH1 Storytellers

2005Series

8.6

An awards show honoring the achievements of the members of the professional music recording industry. The members of the Recording Academy vote on who they think is most deserving of an award in 108 categories as specified by the academy.

The Grammys

1959Series

You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat

8.7

This oddball counterculture comedy/drama follows Zalman King through a series of kooky misadventures while he searches for his life's purpose in New York City.

You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat

1971Movie

N/A

Steely Dan, recorded live at the National City Pavilion, in Cincinnati, OH on July 13th, 2008

Steely Dan: Think Fast in Cincinnati

2008Movie

6.6

Aja was the biggest selling album of Steely Dan's illustrious career. It was the first album by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker as a duo. Fagen and Becker recall the history of the album, along with Peg, Deacon Blues and Josie. Michael McDonald, later of the Doobie Brothers did guest backing vocals on Aja, the late British musician Ian Dury, record producer Gary Katz and the legendary session musicians who worked on Aja also contribute. This is a vivd portrait of a 70's record that is still as fresh and as memorable more than two decades after its release.

Classic Albums: Steely Dan - Aja

1999Movie

N/A

Steely Dan live concert, August 12, 2006 Charlotte, North Carolina Steelyard. Featuring Michael McDonald (Unofficial Release)

Steely Dan: Perfection In Performance

2010Movie

Steely Dan: Heavy Rollers - Live in Germany

N/A

No description available.

Steely Dan: Heavy Rollers - Live in Germany

2007Movie

6.6

Steely Dan has not had a new studio album in twenty years--"Two Against Nature" was worth the wait! This concert, recorded live in New York at the Sony Studios, contains new songs as well as classic hits from the minds of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Together, they deliver a unique music experience that is truly unforgettable. Songs: Green Earrings, Cousin Dupree, Bad Sneakers, Janie Runaway, Josie, FM, Gaslighting Abbie, Black Friday, Babylon Sisters, Kid Charlemagne, Jack of Speed, Peg, What a Shame About Me, Pretzel Logic.