A keyboard player for the legendary American rock band Steely Dan has died.
Jim Beard died in a New York hospital on March 2, following complications of a sudden illness. He was 63.
His representative confirmed the death to Deadline, but did not provide any details about Beard’s illness.
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Beard had been with Steely Dan since 2008 and toured with the band as openers on the Eagles’ Long Goodbye Tour.
His final performance with the group was on January 20.
Steely Dan was founded in 1971 with hits including Hey Nineteen, Reelin’ In the Years, Do It Again and Dirty Work.
Other artists with whom Beard recorded include Dizzy Gillespie, the Brecker Brothers, Dianne Reeves, Meshell Ndegeocello, Toninho Horta and Steve Vai.
He also recorded six solo albums, his latest being the 2013 album Show of Hands.
The 63-year-old is survived by his children, Caitlin and Victor, as well as his mother Sarah, his sister Nancy Canale and his brother Bill Beard.
