Jim Beard, the keyboardist for legendary rock band Steely Dan, has died. He was 63.
Beard died Saturday, March 2 at a New York hospital due to complications from a sudden illness, according to USA Today.
Steely Dan confirmed Beard’s death in a post on its website Wednesday saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague.”
Beard had been touring with the band and had his last performance at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Jan. 20, according to USA Today.
Beard joined Steely Dan in 2008 and has toured with other iconic acts like Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin and Wayne Shorter.
He also recorded music with artists “from an extremely wide range of musical styles” like Dizzy Gillespie, the Brecker Brothers, Dianne Reeves, Meshell Ndegeocello, Toninho Horta and Steve Vai, his biography reads.
Beard has over 100 published compositions and recorded six solo albums.
Beard has been nominated for seven Grammy awards and won a Grammy in 2007 as a featured performer on ‘Some Skunk Funk’ (Randy and Michael Brecker), according to his biography.
Beard is survived by his mother, Sarah; his sister, Nancy; his brother, Bill; and his two children, Victor and Caitlin.