Walter Becker Net Worth

Walter Becker’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Legacy of the Steely Dan Co-Founder

Introduction

Walter Becker, the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the iconic band Steely Dan, left an indelible mark on the music industry. His innovative approach to songwriting, combined with his meticulous attention to detail in production, helped to craft Steely Dan’s signature sound. This article will explore the life, career, and net worth of this musical innovator, examining his early life, the formation of Steely Dan, the band’s rise to prominence, the periods of hiatus and reunion, the influence of their music, his solo work, and his lasting legacy.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Walter Becker was born on February 20, 1950, in the Queens borough of New York City. His upbringing was marked by early parental separation, as his British mother returned to England. Raised primarily by his father and grandmother in both Queens and Scarsdale, New York, Becker developed a passion for music during his formative years. He initially played the saxophone and guitar, honing his skills that would later define his contributions to Steely Dan. After attending Stuyvesant High School, Becker furthered his education at Bard College, where a pivotal encounter would shape his future.

Steely Dan: The Genesis

At Bard College, Becker met Donald Fagen, his future musical partner and co-founder of Steely Dan. Together, they formed a college band called Leather Canary, which also included future actor Chevy Chase. After leaving Bard College in 1969, Becker and Fagen moved to Brooklyn to pursue songwriting. This move marked the official beginning of their professional collaboration. Their shared ambition and complementary skills set the stage for the birth of Steely Dan.

Success and the 1970s: Steely Dan’s Ascent

In the summer of 1970, Becker and Fagen answered a Village Voice advertisement seeking musicians with jazz backgrounds. They connected with guitarist Denny Dias, who was immediately impressed by their talent. Consequently, the rock band Steely Dan was formed, named after a steam-powered vibrator from William S. Burroughs’ novel “Naked Lunch.” Becker took on the roles of bassist and later lead guitarist, while Fagen became the lead vocalist and keyboardist; both of them wrote all the band’s songs. The original lineup included Denny Dias, Jeff Baxter, Jim Hodder, and David Palmer. Their debut album, “Can’t Buy a Thrill,” released in 1972, achieved commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s, including “Countdown to Ecstasy,” “Pretzel Logic,” “Katy Lied,” and “The Royal Scam.” However, the band’s peak was reached with the release of the album “Aja” in 1977. “Aja” was a massive commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200. Featuring the hit singles “Peg,” “Deacon Blues,” and “Josie,” the album is often considered one of the greatest of all time, further solidifying Steely Dan’s place in music history. During his lifetime, Walter Becker’s net worth was estimated to be $50 million.

A Period of Hiatus and Rebirth

Despite their success, the band faced internal and external challenges. The intense work ethic and demands of touring contributed to Becker’s struggle with substance abuse. After the release of “Gaucho” in 1980, Becker and Fagen announced a hiatus. Becker moved to Hawaii, where he focused on recovery and record production. During this time, Becker and Fagen worked on various individual projects, including collaborations and solo albums. In 1993, Becker and Fagen reunited to tour and record new music. Their comeback was marked by the release of “Two Against Nature” in 2000, which won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Following that album, they released “Everything Must Go” in 2003, which was the last album to feature Becker. This marked a triumphant return for Steely Dan, reaffirming their enduring appeal and musical creativity.

Steely Dan’s Impact Through Samples

Steely Dan’s sophisticated and distinctive sound has influenced generations of musicians across various genres, including hip-hop. The band’s complex arrangements, intricate harmonies, and distinctive instrumentation have been sampled by numerous artists, demonstrating their enduring impact on modern music. Here are some notable examples of Steely Dan’s music being sampled:

• “Eye Know” by De La Soul sampled “Peg” by Steely Dan
• “Stand Up” by Ludacris sampled “Black Cow” by Steely Dan
• “Last Call” by Kanye West sampled “Kid Charlemagne” by Steely Dan
• “Pray” by Jay Z sampled “Peg” by Steely Dan
• “Love” by MF DOOM sampled “Kid Charlemagne” by Steely Dan
• “Before We Die” by Trey Songz sampled “Time Out of Mind” by Steely Dan
• “Glamour Profession” by 6ix9ine sampled “Glamour Profession” by Steely Dan
• “Champion’s Theme” by Wale sampled “Kid Charlemagne” by Steely Dan

This list is not exhaustive, as Steely Dan’s extensive catalog continues to be discovered and sampled by artists across genres.

Solo Endeavors and the Later Years

After the initial breakup of Steely Dan in 1981, Becker focused on record production. He produced albums for various artists, including China Crisis, Fra Lippo Lippi, John Beasley, Michael Franks, and Rickie Lee Jones. In 1986, he reunited with Donald Fagen to collaborate on Rosie Vela’s debut album “Zazu.” He later produced Fagen’s solo album “Kamakiriad” and then, in 1994, Fagen returned the favor by producing Becker’s first solo album, “11 Tracks of Whack.” Becker’s second solo album, “Circus Money,” released in 2008, was inspired by reggae and Jamaican musical styles. During the 2000s, Becker also contributed to albums by Krishna Das, Rebecca Pidgeon, and Madeleine Peyroux. His solo work showcased his versatility and continued creativity, expanding his musical legacy beyond Steely Dan.

Personal Life and Legacy

Becker married yoga teacher Elinor Meadows in 1984, and they had two children before divorcing in 1997. He was later married to Juanna Fatouros and Delia Cioffi. In the 1970s, he struggled with substance abuse but achieved sobriety after moving to Hawaii. Becker was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2017 and died in September of the same year at the age of 67. His death marked the end of an era in music. His estate sale, held two years after his death, generated more than $3 million. His contribution to Steely Dan’s music and his role in shaping their distinct sound solidified his status as a musical innovator. His legacy endures through Steely Dan’s music and the artists they have influenced.

Getty Images

Conclusion

Walter Becker’s life was a testament to musical innovation and collaboration. From his early beginnings in Queens to his partnership with Donald Fagen and the formation of Steely Dan, Becker’s journey was marked by a dedication to crafting sophisticated and enduring music. His work as a bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, along with his solo endeavors, reflects his multifaceted talent. Though faced with personal challenges, including substance abuse, he achieved sobriety and continued to contribute to the music industry. His death in 2017 ended a significant chapter, but his music lives on, influencing generations of artists and continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.