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Steely Dan

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Donald Fagen and Walter Becker first came together in 1968 as students at Bard College. There they discovered common interests in jazz, blues, popular music and contemporary literature.

A year later in 1969, Fagen and Becker peddle their songs office to office in the famous Brill Building. They are eventually signed to a publishing deal by a small company owned by 60's group Jay and the Americans.

In 1970 Fagen and Becker join the Jay and the Americans' touring band before being signed as staff songwriters for ABC/Dunhill Records in LA. The duo quickly leans to despise crafting cheesy pop songs.

In 1972, the duo release "Can't Buy A Thrill", under the name "Steely Dan." "Steely Dan" is the name of a vibrator in William Burroughs' novel, "Naked Lunch". Original Steely Dan members are: Denny Dias (Guitar), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitar), Jim Hodder (drums) and David Palmer (vocals).

The following year, Steely Dan release two albums; Countdown To Ecstasy and Pretzel Logic. Donald is now singing all the lead vocals and Walter has begun playing guitar leads. The final touring band includes Mike McDonald (vocals and piano), Jeff Porcaro (drums) and Royce Jones (percussion and vocals).

1975: Becker and Fagen recruited an entirely new band for 1975's Katy Lied, The Royal Scam (1976), Aja (1977), and 1980's swan song Gaucho. At least, Gaucho seemed like Steely's swan song for the next 20 years.

In 1980, Becker and Fagen went their separate ways. Fagen records his first solo album, " The Nightfly", which is a huge critical and commercial success. Becker moves to Hawaii and becomes a gentleman avocado rancher and self styled critic of the contemporary scene.

In 1991 Donald Fagen developed the New York Rock and Soul Revue. Sessions begin for Fagen's second solo album, "Kamakiriad", with Becker producing. Becker also joins the revue for their Summer '92 Tour.

In 1993, as Kamakiriad went platinum, Fagen and Becker hit the road with The All New Steely Dan Orchestra '93. The group tours Japan in 1994. Becker's solo "11 Tracks of Whack" is released following the successful summer tour by the Citizen Steely Dan Orchestra '94.

In 1995, Alive in America, an album of live performances from 93-94 is released. Fagen and Becker begin writing for a new album.

Finally, in 2000, Two Against Nature is released and debuts at #6 on Billboard's Top 200. Donald and Walter receive ASCAP's Founder's Award in May. The album went on to win four Grammy Awards, including Album Of The Year. Becker and Fagen are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March. In May, Becker and Fagen receive honorary Doctor of Music degrees from The Berklee College of Music.

Steely Dan released Everything Must Go in 2003.

2006: In support of solo projects, both Walter and Donald launch their own websites. Donald releases "Morph The Cat", his third solo CD in March, and Walter continues recording his second solo CD. The "Steelyard 'Sugartooth' McDan (and the Fab-Originees.com)" summer tour of the U.S. runs from July to September.

2007: The Heavy Rollers World Tour plays the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Fagen releases the Nightfly Trilogy Boxed Set.

2008: Becker releases "Circus Money", his second solo CD, on June 10. Live "Think Fast, Steely Dan" dates for summer 2008 are announced.