Shocking Sunday Morning

The first thing I saw this morning after awakening was the news that Walter Becker had died.  I've spent all day processing this, occupying my mind with other things.  Mindless computer games, Twitter hashtag stuff and so on.  13 hours later, I am still numb.

I don't claim to have one favorite band or one favorite musician.  But Steely Dan's music was a part of my life from the first time I bought my copy of Can't Buy a Thrill in 1972.  How important was and is their music to me?  Consider this.

That's the cover of the 1985 compilation "album" titled A Decade of Steely Dan.  The term album is used loosely because as I discovered when I tried to buy the album, it wasn't available in that form.  It was only being sold as a compact disc.  I did not own a compact disc player yet, but I bought this CD anyway.

Remember this movie?

Maybe this will help.

While my days as a DJ at a certain roller disco in South Florida were one of the influences that led me into my brief but enjoyable time working in commercial radio; FM the movie and the music of Steely Dan were also influences on that career choice.

Their music is incredible and indelible.  The fusion of jazz and pop, their ability to use multi-tracking to ensure each instrument's sound comes through clearly without overpowering each other and the outstanding musicianship of the people they chose to work with may never be duplicated.  Did you know that Jeff Porcaro and David Paich of Toto, both worked with Becker and Donald Fagen prior to forming their own group? 

It has been over four decades since I bought my first Steely Dan music and I still listen to their tunes regularly.  Not just the hits either, although I will say that the following tune is my favorite among their discography.

The Midnight Special was another musical influence.  I cannot count how many nights I would wait up to watch this in the days before VCRs, DVRs and the like.  Watch it when it was on, or simply put, it was gone.

Their lyrics were also inspired and inspiring.

Peg

I've seen your picture
Your name in lights above it
This is your big debut
It's like a dream come true
So won't you smile for the camera
I know they're gonna love it

I like your pin shot
I keep it with your letter
Done up in blueprint blue
It sure looks good on you
And when you smile for the camera
I know I'll love you better

Peg
It will come back to you
Peg
It will come back to you
Then the shutter falls
You see it all in 3-D
It's your favorite foreign movie

Walter Becker was only 67 years old.  Gone far too soon.  RIP, sir.  Your music and lyrics will live on for eternity.