Donald Fagen is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as a co-founder and the lead vocalist of the jazz-influenced rock band Steely Dan. Born on January 10, 1948, Fagen has been a key figure in the development of sophisticated, complex, and genre-defying music.
Steely Dan, formed with Walter Becker, gained prominence in the 1970s for their distinctive sound, characterized by intricate arrangements, jazz harmonies, and often cryptic lyrics. Fagen’s smooth and distinctive voice, along with his knack for crafting sophisticated lyrics, became a hallmark of the band’s style.
Steely Dan released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Aja,” “The Royal Scam,” and “Pretzel Logic.” Their music seamlessly blended rock, jazz, and pop influences, earning them a dedicated fan base and multiple Grammy Awards.
Donald Fagen also pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as “The Nightfly,” “Kamakiriad,” and “Morph the Cat.” His solo work retained the jazz-influenced sound that defined Steely Dan, and Fagen continued to explore complex musical arrangements and insightful lyrics.
Fagen and Becker were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Following Walter Becker’s death in 2017, Donald Fagen has continued to perform and tour both as a solo artist and with different lineups under the name Steely Dan, keeping the legacy of their unique musical contributions alive.
1. Reelin’ in the Years
“Reelin’ in the Years” is a song by Steely Dan, not Donald Fagen. Steely Dan is an American rock band formed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The song was released as the second single from their debut studio album, “Can’t Buy a Thrill,” in 1972.
Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, “Reelin’ in the Years” is characterized by its distinctive guitar riff played by session guitarist Elliott Randall. The song features a blend of rock, jazz, and pop elements, showcasing Steely Dan’s sophisticated musical style.
The lyrics of “Reelin’ in the Years” reflect on the passage of time and the memories associated with different stages of life. The song’s catchy melody and memorable guitar solo contributed to its commercial success.
“Reelin’ in the Years” remains one of Steely Dan’s most well-known and enduring songs. It has been praised for its musical craftsmanship and is often cited as a classic example of the band’s fusion of rock and jazz influences.
2. Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
“Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” is a song by Steely Dan, written by band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The track was released as a single from their third studio album, “Pretzel Logic,” in 1974.
Known for its catchy and distinctive melody, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” features a blend of rock, jazz, and pop elements, characteristic of Steely Dan’s musical style. The lyrics tell the story of someone urging a woman named Rikki to keep a certain phone number and to call for assistance when needed.
The song became one of Steely Dan’s most successful singles, reaching high chart positions in the United States. The intricate instrumental arrangement and Fagen’s smooth vocals contributed to its popularity.
“Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” has endured as one of Steely Dan’s signature songs and is often celebrated for its musical sophistication and lyrical storytelling. The track showcases the band’s ability to create intricate, genre-blending compositions that have stood the test of time.
3. Peg
“Peg” is a song by Steely Dan from their sixth studio album, “Aja,” released in 1977. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the track is known for its sophisticated jazz-rock fusion and intricate musical arrangement.
“Peg” features an eclectic mix of instruments, including guitar solos by Jay Graydon and a memorable horn arrangement. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic, and their meaning has been a subject of interpretation over the years. The song’s chorus includes the repeated line “I like your pin shot,” contributing to its distinctive character.
Steely Dan’s meticulous approach to production is evident in “Peg,” with the band known for its attention to detail and studio perfectionism. The track showcases the band’s ability to blend jazz, rock, and pop influences into a seamless and polished sound.
Despite its complex musical structure, “Peg” became a hit for Steely Dan, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of the band’s signature tracks and is celebrated for its musical intricacy and timeless appeal.
4. Deacon Blues
“Deacon Blues” is a song by Steely Dan from their seventh studio album, “Aja,” released in 1977. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the track is known for its sophisticated jazz-rock fusion and introspective lyrics.
The song tells the story of a character who aspires to a life of artistic freedom and personal fulfillment, represented by the idea of being a “Deacon Blues.” The lyrics explore themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Musically, “Deacon Blues” features intricate instrumentation, including a notable saxophone solo by jazz saxophonist Tom Scott. The song’s arrangement reflects Steely Dan’s characteristic blend of jazz, rock, and pop elements.
While “Deacon Blues” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Steely Dan’s other hits, it has become a fan favorite and is highly regarded for its musical sophistication and lyrical depth. The track is often cited as an example of Steely Dan’s unique and innovative approach to songwriting and production.
5. Hey Nineteen
“Hey Nineteen” is a song by Steely Dan, written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. It was released as a single from their 1980 album “Gaucho.” The track is a reflection on the generation gap and the challenges of romantic relationships between an older person and a younger one.
The lyrics of “Hey Nineteen” convey the narrator’s attempt to connect with a woman who is significantly younger, but he finds it increasingly difficult due to the age difference and cultural disparities. The chorus features the memorable line “Hey Nineteen, that’s ‘Retha Franklin; she don’t remember the Queen of Soul,” referring to the fact that the younger woman doesn’t know who Aretha Franklin is.
Musically, “Hey Nineteen” features Steely Dan’s signature blend of jazz, rock, and pop elements. The song incorporates smooth vocals, sophisticated arrangements, and intricate instrumentation, including a prominent horn section.
Despite its seemingly laid-back sound, the lyrics of “Hey Nineteen” explore deeper themes of nostalgia, changing times, and the challenges of communication across generational lines. The track became one of Steely Dan’s notable hits and remains a classic representation of their unique musical style.
6. Do It Again
“Do It Again” is a classic song by Steely Dan, released in 1972 on their debut album “Can’t Buy a Thrill.” The song was written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the core members of the band, and it became one of their most iconic tracks.
“Do It Again” is characterized by its jazzy rock sound and sophisticated musical arrangements, showcasing Steely Dan’s fusion of various genres. The lyrics tell a story of sin, redemption, and the cyclical nature of life, with references to gambling and other vices. The chorus features the repeating line “In the morning, you go gunning for the man who stole your water.”
The song’s distinctive musical elements include a memorable guitar riff, intricate keyboard work, and a dynamic arrangement that reflects the band’s meticulous approach to studio production. “Do It Again” received critical acclaim and became a commercial success for Steely Dan.
Over the years, “Do It Again” has remained a fan favorite and a staple in Steely Dan’s live performances. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that transcends time and genres, and it stands as a classic example of their early contributions to the fusion of rock, jazz, and pop.
7. Bodhisattva
“Bodhisattva” is a song by Steely Dan from their second studio album, “Countdown to Ecstasy,” released in 1973. The track is known for its intricate instrumental arrangement and fusion of jazz and rock elements.
Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, “Bodhisattva” features a complex guitar riff played by Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic and include references to Eastern philosophy and culture. The term “Bodhisattva” itself refers to an enlightened being in Buddhism who has chosen to remain on Earth to help others achieve enlightenment.
Musically, “Bodhisattva” showcases Steely Dan’s jazz-influenced approach, with its intricate guitar work, tight rhythm section, and Fagen’s distinctive vocals. The song’s upbeat and energetic feel contributed to its popularity among fans.
While “Bodhisattva” was not released as a single, it has become a fan favorite and is often celebrated for its instrumental prowess. The track exemplifies Steely Dan’s ability to blend diverse musical influences into a sophisticated and unique sound.
8. Dirty Work
“Dirty Work” is a song by Steely Dan, released in 1972 as the title track and lead single from their third studio album. The song was written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, the core members of the band, and features vocals by David Palmer. “Dirty Work” is known for its soulful and bluesy sound, distinct from some of Steely Dan’s other jazz-influenced compositions.
The lyrics of “Dirty Work” revolve around the theme of heartbreak and betrayal. The narrator expresses feelings of being mistreated and used in a relationship, with the recurring line “Times are hard, you’re afraid to pay the fee, so you find yourself somebody who can do the job for free.”
While David Palmer provided lead vocals on “Dirty Work,” subsequent Steely Dan albums featured Donald Fagen as the primary lead vocalist. Despite the initial success of the song, the band underwent changes, and Fagen eventually took over the role of lead vocalist.
“Dirty Work” remains a notable track in Steely Dan’s early discography, showcasing their ability to blend diverse musical elements and explore themes of love and disillusionment with a unique and sophisticated sound. The song’s emotional resonance and catchy melody contribute to its enduring popularity among fans of the band.
9. My Old School
“My Old School” is a classic song by Steely Dan, released on their 1973 album “Countdown to Ecstasy.” Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the song is known for its intricate musical arrangement and evocative lyrics.
The lyrics of “My Old School” recount an autobiographical incident from Fagen and Becker’s time at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. The song describes a drug bust that occurred at the college, resulting in the arrest of a friend. The chorus features the memorable refrain “California tumbles into the sea, that’ll be the day I go back to Annandale.”
Musically, “My Old School” showcases Steely Dan’s fusion of jazz, rock, and pop elements. The song features tight instrumentation, including jazzy guitar solos and a prominent horn section. The complex arrangements and sophisticated production techniques were indicative of the band’s meticulous approach to studio recording.
Despite not being released as a single, “My Old School” has become one of Steely Dan’s most beloved and enduring tracks. Its popularity lies in its catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and the band’s ability to craft a sound that defies easy categorization. The song remains a staple in Steely Dan’s live performances and is celebrated as a classic representation of their musical style.
10. Black Friday
“Black Friday” is a song by Steely Dan from their fourth studio album, “Katy Lied,” released in 1975. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the song combines elements of rock and jazz, characteristic of Steely Dan’s musical style.
The lyrics of “Black Friday” touch on themes of financial collapse, economic uncertainty, and the consequences of speculative trading. The term “Black Friday” is historically associated with stock market crashes and economic downturns.
Musically, the song features intricate guitar work, a tight rhythm section, and Fagen’s distinctive vocals. The instrumental arrangement reflects Steely Dan’s jazz-influenced approach to rock music.
While “Black Friday” was not released as a single, it has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the standout tracks on the “Katy Lied” album. The song’s catchy melody, sophisticated musical arrangement, and thought-provoking lyrics contribute to its enduring popularity among fans of Steely Dan.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
