Credit: Sandrine LeeLate Steely Dan bassist and guitarist Walter Becker will be saluted in his hometown of New York City this fall when the street he grew up on will renamed in his honor. A ceremony will be held October 28 at the corner of 112th Street and 72nd Drive in the Forest Hills section of Queens, where a street sign dubbed “Walter Becker Way” will be unveiled.
The event will feature various friends and colleagues of Becker sharing remembrances about the acclaimed musician, as well as special giveaways to people who attend the festivities. The celebration is being planned by Walter’s fans.
“Walter’s fans have decades of experience holding ‘Danfests’ throughout the country,” says Becker’s widow, Delia, in a statement, “and they always find innovative and eclectic ways of celebrating. It will undoubtedly be a fun and free gathering to honor and commemorate Walter as only they can!”
New York City Council member Karen Koslowitz, whose district is located in Forest Hills, put forth the motion to have a street co-named “Walter Becker Way” via a legislative bill. The legislation was approved by a council vote on June 28. More details about the ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks at WalterBeckerWay.com.
In addition to his musical contributions to Steely Dan, Becker — with band mate Donald Fagen — co-wrote nearly every song that the group recorded. He also released a pair of solo albums and produced records by a variety of artists.
Walter was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Steely Dan in 2001. He died of esophageal cancer on September 3, 2017, at the age of 67.
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