Which two musicians make up the pop music group, Steely Dan?

The renowned pop music group Steely Dan was fundamentally shaped by the creative partnership of two musicians: Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. These two individuals met in 1967 while studying at Bard College in New York, a meeting that would eventually lead to the formation of Steely Dan in 1971. While the band initially featured a more traditional lineup, Becker, on guitar and bass, and Fagen, on keyboards and lead vocals, soon transitioned Steely Dan into a studio-centric project by late 1974. This allowed them to meticulously craft their sound, employing a rotating roster of highly skilled session musicians to achieve their distinctive musical vision.

Becker and Fagen were celebrated for their sophisticated blend of genres, seamlessly incorporating elements of rock, jazz, R&B, and blues into their music. Their songs were known for complex arrangements, pristine production, and often cryptic, ironic lyrics that explored a range of themes. Their debut album, "Can't Buy a Thrill," released in 1972, quickly established their unique style and yielded hit singles such as "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In The Years." Over their career, Steely Dan garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, including multiple Grammy Awards, notably Album of the Year for both "Aja" in 1978 and "Two Against Nature" in 2001.

The duo's meticulous approach to recording became a hallmark of their work, with Becker and Fagen often spending countless hours in the studio to perfect their sound. This dedication to their craft, combined with their innovative songwriting, solidified their place as influential figures in popular music. Even the band's unusual name has an interesting origin, taken from a steam-powered dildo in William S. Burroughs's controversial novel, "Naked Lunch." Although Walter Becker passed away in 2017, Donald Fagen has continued to perform and keep the legacy of Steely Dan alive.