This signed sheet music is for Deacon Blues by Steely Dan, autographed by renowned session guitarist Larry Carlton, whose playing helped define the band’s sophisticated jazz-rock sound. Released in 1977 on Steely Dan’s landmark album Aja, Deacon Blues is one of the group’s most celebrated songs. Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the track tells the story of a dreamer resigned to failure yet finding dignity in embracing his outsider role. With its bittersweet lyrics, smooth horn arrangements, and laid-back groove, the song embodies Steely Dan’s ability to merge intellectual storytelling with lush jazz-inspired production. While not a major chart hit at the time, it became a critical favorite and has since been hailed as one of the greatest Steely Dan compositions, embodying the cool, ironic detachment that defined their style. Larry Carlton (born 1948), a Grammy-winning guitarist, was central to the recording of Aja. Known as “Mr. 335” for his signature Gibson ES-335, Carlton brought expressive solos and subtle textures to Steely Dan’s music, including contributions on Kid Charlemagne, Don’t Take Me Alive, and Deacon Blues. His smooth, fluid tone and ability to navigate complex jazz harmonies made him one of the most sought-after session players of the 1970s and 1980s. Beyond Steely Dan, Carlton has worked with artists like Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones, and has built a successful solo career that showcases his versatility across genres. Owning this signed sheet music for Deacon Blues is more than just a collectible—it’s a piece of jazz-rock history that ties together Steely Dan’s sophisticated songwriting and Larry Carlton’s world-class musicianship. For fans of Steely Dan, guitar aficionados, and collectors of classic rock memorabilia, this artifact represents the artistry, subtlety, and timeless cool of one of the 1970s’ most influential songs.

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