Who Named Steely Dan? An Unusual Connection to William S. Burroughs

When discussing band names and their backgrounds, Steely Dan's origin is a topic of intrigue among music enthusiasts. Interestingly, the name of this legendary band relates to an unlikely source - a novel by William S. Burroughs titled Naked Lunch. This article delves into the fascinating history and the peculiar inspiration behind the band name, alongside some lesser-known facts about the duo.

Steely Dan's Band Name Origin

How did Steely Dan come by their name? The answer, in essence, can be traced to an unlikely source: the novel Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs. This connection is not just a random fact but reflects the eccentric tastes and influences of the band members, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

Unusual Inspiration: According to the official Steely Dan website, Fagen and Becker were avid readers of Burroughs' work in the 1950s. One of the oddest and most intriguing elements of Naked Lunch is a steam-powered strap on dildo known as "steely dan." This peculiar item inspired the band's name, a testament to the unique sense of humor and avant-garde influences that shaped their music and image.

Less Known Facts About Steely Dan

Steely Dan's name isn't the only interesting fact about them. Here are a few other intriguing tidbits that might surprise even the most dedicated fans:

MU Chord Technique

1. Steely Dan is known for a specific chord technique that they used to enhance the richness and depth of their music. This technique, which involved adding a ninth to virtually every chord, was dubbed the MU Chord. The term MU is also a nod to the work of Tom Wolfe, another pivotal figure in their creative circle.

Barbra Streisand Collaboration

2. The pair behind Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, also contributed to Barbra Streisand's repertoire with a song called I Mean to Shine. This collaboration highlights their versatility as musicians and songwriters.

Experiences at Bard College

3. While My Old School on the album Era of Mindlessness ostensibly refers to Bard College, its lyrics actually make a reference to William and Mary, the alma mater of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. This layer of meaning adds a historical and intellectual depth to their lyrical content.

Radio Appearance and Career Highlights

4. In 2002, Becker and Fagen were guests on Marian McPartland's NPR radio show Piano Jazz. Not only did they perform, but McPartland, a Steely Dan fan, played several of their songs with them, including the iconic Black Friday. This radio appearance exemplifies their continued influence and love within the music community.

5. Early in their careers, Becker and Fagen also played with the group Jay and the Americans, showcasing their early music skills and development.

Legacy of 'Everything Must Go'

6. The widely acclaimed album Everything Must Go from 2003 stands as a testament to Steely Dan's enduring legacy. Despite its critical acclaim, the album commercially underperformed, peaking at number 9 on the album charts and failing to reach gold status. This is a bittersweet reminder of the band's staying power and the sometimes unpredictable nature of the music industry.

The Perfect Fit

Given their reputation as innovators in the music industry, it's no surprise that Steely Dan decided to pay homage to such an obscure and unconventional reference. The name perfectly encapsulates the unorthodox and sophisticated nature of their music, making it a term that both pays tribute to the past and propels forward into the future.

So, next time you hear a Steely Dan song or read about their band name, remember the underwater dildo in Naked Lunch. It's a quirky, testament to the band's unique sense of humor and the enduring mystery behind one of the greatest bands in rock history.