Steely Dan Favorites Songbook

A new songbook featuring six arrangements for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund of favorites by Steely Dan including hits like "Do It Again," "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," and "Dirty Work."

About Steely Dan

Steely Dan, the brainchild of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, emerged in the early 1970s as a unique and influential force in the music world. Their music combined a diverse range of genres, from rock and jazz to R&B and Latin music, with sophisticated studio production and cryptic, thought-provoking lyrics. This fusion of styles, along with their meticulous attention to detail, earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim.

Becker and Fagen first met in 1967 while attending Bard College in New York. They shared a passion for music and quickly became songwriting partners. After trying their luck in Brooklyn, they caught the attention of Gary Katz, a producer at ABC Records. Katz signed them as staff songwriters and encouraged them to form their own band.

Steely Dan’s debut album, “Can’t Buy a Thrill,” was released in 1972 and contained the hits “Do It Again” and “Reelin’ In the Years.” The album showcased their signature blend of catchy melodies, intricate arrangements, and sophisticated lyrics. However, as their success grew, Becker and Fagen decided to retire from live performances and focus solely on studio work.

This decision led to the recruitment of a revolving cast of session musicians for their subsequent albums. Their second release, “Countdown to Ecstasy” (1973), showcased a more jazz-influenced sound, while “Pretzel Logic” (1974) further solidified their reputation as musical perfectionists. Each album was meticulously crafted, often with dozens of takes for each track, to achieve the precise sound they envisioned.

The pinnacle of their career came with the release of “Aja” in 1977. This album received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, featuring hits like “Peg” and “Deacon Blues.” “Aja” demonstrated the peak of their studio prowess, with an all-star lineup of session musicians contributing to its lush and intricate arrangements.

However, behind the scenes, tensions were rising within the band. Becker and Fagen’s pursuit of perfection and creative control led to conflicts with other band members, some of whom left the group. The strain eventually led to their disbandment in 1981, and both artists pursued solo projects during the 1980s.

In 1993, Steely Dan made a triumphant return with the release of “Two Against Nature.” The album earned them four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and marked their successful re-entry into the music scene. They continued to tour and release new material, with their final studio album, “Everything Must Go,” released in 2003.

Tragically, Walter Becker passed away in 2017, leaving Donald Fagen as the sole official member of the band. Despite this loss, Fagen continues to carry on the Steely Dan legacy, touring and performing their timeless classics to enthusiastic audiences worldwide.

Steely Dan’s impact on music cannot be overstated. Their complex compositions, sophisticated arrangements, and poetic lyrics have inspired countless musicians across genres. With over 40 million albums sold worldwide and a well-deserved spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Steely Dan’s legacy remains as vibrant as ever, solidifying their place as one of the greatest musical acts of all time.

Steely Dan Favorites Songbook

The following songs are included in Steely Dan Favorites songbook. These are all available as separate singles, but you get the most value by purchasing the whole collection. All of these arrangements are at an intermediate level.