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Steely Dan Keyboardist Jim Beard Dead at 63

Jim Beard, a longtime keyboardist in Steely Dan, has died. The musician, who toured with the group, was also known as a jazz musician, composer and producer.

According to his biography, Beard also published over 100 compositions and produced music for renowned jazz artists such as Eliane Elias, Esperanza Spalding, Mike Stern and many others. In 2007, he won a Grammy for his contributions as a featured artist on The Brecker Bros. song “Some Skunk Funk,” which took home the gramophone for best large jazz ensemble album. The keyboardist was most recently out on the road with the “Reelin’ in the Years” group, as they are in the midst of supporting rock icons The Eagles on their final tour known as The Long Goodbye.

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