Steely Dan: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About Steely Dan

Steely Dan is one of the most enigmatic and sophisticated bands in rock history. Blending jazz, rock, and pop with cryptic lyrics and meticulous studio production, they’ve left a lasting impact on music. Co-founded by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, their fusion of musical precision and lyrical ambiguity has given them a devoted fanbase. But beyond their popular hits like “Reelin’ in the Years” and “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” there are many lesser-known stories and fun facts about Steely Dan. Let’s dive into the hidden history of this legendary band.

1. The Band Name Origin

Steely Dan’s name has an unconventional and cheeky origin. It comes from William S. Burroughs’ novel Naked Lunch, where “Steely Dan” is the name of a steam-powered sex toy. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were big fans of Burroughs' work, and they appreciated the rebellious, avant-garde vibe of the name. It perfectly suited their non-conformist attitude and quirky sense of humor, setting the tone for the rest of their career.

2. Perfectionists to the Core

Steely Dan is known for their meticulous approach to recording, and their perfectionism is legendary in the music industry. For their 1977 album Aja, they reportedly brought in over 40 session musicians and spent months crafting each track. In some cases, they recorded multiple versions of the same part with different musicians until they found the perfect take. Their hit single “Peg” took over a year to complete because they couldn’t find the right guitar solo. After auditioning several guitarists, Jay Graydon finally delivered the now-famous solo.

3. They Disliked Touring

Unlike most bands that thrive on live performances, Steely Dan famously disliked touring. After their first few tours in the early 1970s, they decided to stop touring altogether in 1974 to focus on studio work. Fagen and Becker were perfectionists who preferred the control and precision of the studio environment, where they could obsess over every detail. Their avoidance of live shows lasted nearly 19 years, with the band returning to touring only in 1993. Despite this, their fanbase remained loyal and grew even stronger during their hiatus.

4. They Helped Launch the Career of Jimi Hendrix’s Manager

Before forming Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were part of a short-lived band called The Leather Canaryin the late 1960s while attending Bard College. The band’s drummer at the time was a young Chevy Chase, who would go on to become a famous comedian and actor. Another notable alumnus from that time was Chas Chandler, who later became Jimi Hendrix’s manager. Chandler played an important role in Hendrix’s rise to fame, and his connection to Fagen and Becker, however brief, adds a fascinating chapter to the pre-Steely Dan story.

5. "Do It Again" Was a Last-Minute Hit

The song “Do It Again”, which became one of Steely Dan’s biggest early hits, almost didn’t happen. It was a last-minute addition to their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972). The song, with its unique blend of Latin rhythms, jazz, and rock, was written in a short burst of inspiration by Fagen and Becker. The iconic sitar-like solo was played on a guitar by Denny Dias using a special effect called a “Coral Sitar.” The song's dark, philosophical lyrics paired with its distinctive sound helped launch Steely Dan into the spotlight.

6. Fagen and Becker Were Notorious for Cryptic Lyrics

Part of Steely Dan’s charm is their cryptic, often sarcastic lyrics. Many fans have spent years trying to decipher the meaning behind songs like “Deacon Blues,” “Kid Charlemagne,” and “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number.” Fagen and Becker were masters of mixing humor, cynicism, and social commentary. For example, “Deacon Blues” tells the story of someone who longs to escape the mundane and become a jazz musician, while “Kid Charlemagne” is about the downfall of a drug dealer during the psychedelic ’60s in San Francisco. They never shied away from odd, complex storytelling in their music, keeping fans guessing about the deeper meanings of their songs.

7. They’re the Kings of Studio Musicians

Steely Dan is renowned for collaborating with the best session musicians in the industry. Fagen and Becker didn’t hesitate to bring in top-tier talent to achieve their sonic vision. Some of the legendary musicians who worked with them include Michael McDonald (of The Doobie Brothers fame), guitarist Larry Carlton, drummer Steve Gadd, and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. McDonald’s background vocals, particularly on tracks like “Peg” and “I.G.Y.”, became a signature part of Steely Dan’s sound.

8. They Almost Never Made It to the Top

Though Steely Dan is now considered rock royalty, their ascent to stardom wasn’t as immediate as it might seem. Early on, ABC Records (the label that signed them) didn’t have much faith in the band, thinking their music was too sophisticated and jazz-influenced to appeal to a mainstream audience. Their first few singles performed well, but it wasn’t until Aja in 1977 that they truly broke into the upper echelons of rock stardom. The album became their best-selling record and earned them both commercial and critical success.

9. The Long Hiatus

After releasing Gaucho in 1980, Steely Dan took a 20-year hiatus from recording albums. Personal issues, including Becker’s struggles with substance abuse and a series of legal battles, led to the band’s dissolution in the early '80s. However, they reunited in 1993, and in 2000 they released Two Against Nature, their first studio album in two decades. The album won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, showing that Steely Dan still had their unique magic even after years away from the studio.

10. Donald Fagen Was Once Kicked Out of Disney World

A quirky bit of trivia involves Donald Fagen being banned from Disney World. In the early 1990s, while visiting the park, Fagen reportedly got into an altercation with an employee over cutting in line. Disney management didn’t take kindly to the incident and promptly banned Fagen from the park for life. While the story is amusing, it’s a reminder that even rock legends can find themselves in trouble in the most unexpected places!

Steely Dan’s journey is full of eccentricities, genius musicianship, and dedication to crafting some of the most sophisticated rock albums in history. From their love of jazz and disdain for touring to their perfectionist studio habits, Steely Dan is a band that defied convention at every turn. Their complex, timeless music and sly humor have kept them relevant and beloved by fans for decades. One of Steely Dan’s most impactful song lyrics comes from their song “Deacon Blues”:

"They got a name for the winners in the world, I want a name when I lose."

This lyric captures a profound sense of defiance and self-acceptance. It speaks to the desire to carve out an identity in failure or imperfection, standing in contrast to society’s obsession with success. The song’s protagonist yearns for meaning, even if it comes from the perspective of a “loser,” highlighting the human struggle for self-worth and purpose. This sentiment resonates with many who feel out of step with conventional success, making it one of Steely Dan’s most emotionally powerful lines.