Steely Dan Keyboardist Jim Beard Dies at 63

Jim Beard, a keyboardist known for his work with Steely Dan and alongside jazz legends Wayne Shorter and John McLaughlin, died Saturday from complications that stemmed from a “sudden illness,” a representative announced Wednesday. He was 63.

Beard died at a hospital in New York City, the statement said. An exact cause of death was not released.

A Pennsylvania native, Beard moved to New York City in 1985 to launch a career in music. He toured the country playing alongside jazz musicians and rock banks, eventually joining Steely Dan in 2008.

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