Jim Beard was a musician and keyboardist who had performed with Donald Fagen’s Steely Dan since 2008, and he also recorded with such artists as Wayne Shorter (1933–2023), Dizzy Gillespie (1917–1993), Pat Metheny, and Steve Vai.
- Died: March 2, 2024 (Who else died on March 2?)
- Details of death: Died in New York City from complications following a sudden illness at the age of 63.
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Jim Beard’s legacy
Born in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Beard began studying piano at age seven, among other instruments, and by age 16 had toured overseas with the American Youth Jazz Orchestra. After attending Indiana University, he moved to New York City and joined jazz guitarist John McLaughlin’s jazz fusion band, Mahavishnu.
Much of his career was spent working with jazz musicians, including such genre icons as Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans (1929–1980), Pat Metheny, and Dizzy Gillespie. He also worked as a producer with artists like Chick Corea (1941– 2021) and Al Jarreau (1940–2017), and he was a studio musician for John Mayer, Steve Vai, Esperanza Spalding, and many others.
Beard taught at the Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University, Berklee College of Music, Aaron Copland School of Music, and Sibelius Academy in Finland. He released six solo albums and was nominated for seven Grammy Awards during his career. In 2007, Beard won a Grammy Award as a featured performer on Randy Brecker’s “Some Skunk Funk.” Since 2008, he had been the keyboardist for Steely Dan.
Tributes to Jim Beard
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
