New York City Honors Walter Becker With Street Naming Tribute

The street in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens in New York City where Walter Becker grew up will soon be co-named “Walter Becker Way.” Becker co-founded Steely Dan in 1972 with Donald Fagen and the group went on to release a string of critically-acclaimed hit albums. Steely Dan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Walter succumbed to esophageal cancer on September 3, 2017.

A street sign establishing “Walter Becker Way” will join the street signs at 112th and 72nd Drive in Queens on Sunday, October 28. Plans for a ceremony are currently in the works. “Since this event is for the enjoyment of the fans, with a priority on fostering a fun and free gathering to honor and celebrate Becker as only his fans can, the Becker family has opted to give the fanbase complete control over the planning and organization of the day’s festivities,” reads a statement from Walter’s family. “These fans have decades of experience holding ‘Dan-Fests’ throughout the country, and always find creative and surprising ways of celebrating the day.

The honor was proposed by City Council Member Hon. Karen Koslowitz of Queens’ 29th District via a legislative bill. Koslowitz’s bill was approved today by a full council vote.