January 10, 1948--Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Born

On this day in South Brunswick History...
January 10, 1948--Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Born
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

Music seems to be big in the DNA of South Brunswick Township. A dominant gene in our multi-cultural mix, old and new, is the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker--more popularly known and internationally acclaimed as "Steely Dan." South Brunswick, but more specifically, Kendall Park, can claim half of this platinum album duo as one of its own. Donald Fagen was born in New York on January 10, 1948, but he moved with his family to Kendall Park. He attended South Brunswick High School. The 1965 yearbook labeled Fagen as a "class wit" and the "most dramatic" male Senior. While in South Brunswick, he learned piano and immersed himself in the jazz medium. He joined a jazz trio, which included his teacher, Mr. Orzi, on bass guitar, and drummer, Rickey Schenck. Fagen's piano playing could be heard at such local gigs as the Dayton Grange Hall. After high school, Fagen attended Bard University where he met Walter Becker. The pair went on to produce several albums that went platinum. "Two Against Nature" was named Album of the Year. Steely Dan won Grammies and was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Several of the Steely Dan recordings are autobiographical. Some are Fagen's reflections on his years spent in South Brunswick. I recommend that the reader listen to the tracks on Fagen's solo album "The Nightfly" for a taste of this musical genius's take on a teenager's life experiences in South Brunswick. Many of the Steely Dan recordings are available on loan at the South Brunswick Public Library. Come peruse the collection and give a listen.