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Steely Dan

A '70's jazz rock band who pioneered their own sound through fusing elements of funk, R&B and pop.

TOP HITS: do it again, black friday, reelin' in the years

Steely Dan is an American rock band that emerged in the early 1970s, renowned for their sophisticated and jazz-influenced approach to rock and pop music. The band was founded by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, two visionary musicians and songwriters who met while studying at Bard College in New York.

The band's name, "Steely Dan," is a reference to a strap-on dildo mentioned in the William S. Burroughs novel "Naked Lunch." This quirky choice set the tone for the band's distinctive blend of wit, irony, and musical prowess. Steely Dan's music is characterized by its meticulous production, complex arrangements, and a fusion of rock, jazz, blues, and R&B elements.

Steely Dan released their debut album, "Can't Buy a Thrill," in 1972, which featured hits like "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In The Years." Over the years, the band's lineup shifted, with Fagen and Becker serving as the core members and collaborating with a rotating cast of top-notch session musicians.

One of their landmark albums, "Aja" (1977), is often regarded as a masterpiece, showcasing their sophisticated sound and intricate compositions. The title track, along with songs like "Peg" and "Deacon Blues," exemplify Steely Dan's ability to seamlessly blend rock with jazz, creating a unique and timeless sonic landscape.

The band took a hiatus in the early '80s, during which Fagen and Becker pursued individual projects. However, they reunited in 1993 to release "Two Against Nature," which went on to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2001. This triumph marked a remarkable comeback for Steely Dan, reaffirming their status as musical innovators.

Throughout their career, Steely Dan's lyrics have been celebrated for their sardonic wit and cryptic storytelling, often exploring themes of decadence, disillusionment, and the darker side of human nature. Fagen's distinctive voice, coupled with Becker's guitar work and the band's meticulous production, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and jazz fusion.

Steely Dan's enduring legacy lies not only in their commercial success but also in their influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Their ability to seamlessly blend genres and push the boundaries of conventional rock music has solidified their place as one of the most iconic and groundbreaking bands in the history of popular music.

Steely Dan defied all rock & roll conventions. Steely Dan created a sophisticated, distinctive sound with accessible melodic hooks, complex harmonies and time signatures, and a devotion to the recording studio.Though the band didn’t perform live after 1974, Steely Dan’s popularity continued to grow throughout the decade, as their albums became critical favorites and their singles became staples of AOR and pop radio stations.

Even after the group disbanded in the early ’80s, their records retained a cult following, and in 1993, the group resumed playing live concerts; later Steely Dan released two albums of new material, the first of which earned a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. They have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2001.

Fees vary based on the celebrity or speaker, travel needs, performance type, and event location. Most bookings include an appearance fee, travel costs, and production requirements. SME Entertainment Group provides detailed estimates before any commitments.

Availability depends on Steely Dan’s travel schedule, tour dates, and filming or corporate commitments. We confirm availability quickly so you can lock in your event plans.

Steely Dan can deliver keynotes, performances, meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, or custom programming. We outline all options and help tailor the experience to your audience.

Most of our talent requires specific AV setups, hospitality needs, and travel accommodations. We translate every rider into clear, manageable steps so there are no surprises.

Hosts often look for increased attendance, deeper engagement, or added credibility. We share relevant case studies, past events, and positioning guidance to ensure the talent supports your goals.

The process includes inquiry, availability check, offer submission, contract execution, and event coordination. Timelines vary, but many bookings finalize within one to three weeks.

Yes, many speakers and performers can tailor content to your theme, audience, or organization. We help shape and refine requests to ensure a seamless fit.

We provide background, reviews, and insights from past events. Our recommendations focus on reliability, audience response, and how well the talent collaborates with hosts.

Some talent can record promo videos, join media interviews, or approve social assets. Availability for promotional work is usually negotiated during contracting.

Contracts include clauses for refunds, rescheduling, substitutions, and unexpected circumstances. We guide you through all policies to protect your event.

SME Entertainment Group (a Live Nation Company) is your leading source for booking Steely Dan

SME Entertainment Group ("SME") is an event producer working with corporations and leading associations around the world to provide musical acts, comedians, and all types of keynote speakers for talent booking services for corporate events and private events.