Walter Carl Becker (born February 20, 1950) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder, guitarist, bassist and co-songwriter of Steely Dan.Becker met future songwriting partner Donald Fagen while studying at Bard College. After a brief period of activity in New York, the two relocated to California in 1971 and formed the nucleus of Steely Dan, who enjoyed a critically and commercially successful ten-year career.