Walter Becker was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as one half of the rock duo Steely Dan. Born on February 20, 1950, in Queens, New York, he co-founded the band in the early 1970s with Donald Fagen. Together, they created a unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop music, characterized by sophisticated lyrics and complex arrangements. Becker played guitar and bass and contributed to the songwriting process for many of Steely Dan's hits, including "Reelin' in the Years" and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." He also released solo albums and worked as a producer for various artists. Becker passed away on September 3, 2017.