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Steely Dan Founder Donald Fagen Allegedly Beat His Wife, Singer Charged With Assault

Donald Fagen, founder of American jazz-rock band Steely Dan, faces legal charges after he allegedly assaulted his wife, Libby Titus. According to law enforcement officials and court papers, Fagen, 67,...
Steely Dan Founder Donald Fagen Allegedly Beat His Wife, Singer Charged With Assault
Written by Val Powell
  • Donald Fagen, founder of American jazz-rock band Steely Dan, faces legal charges after he allegedly assaulted his wife, Libby Titus.

    According to law enforcement officials and court papers, Fagen, 67, assaulted Titus, 68, in their home in Manhattan. He reportedly grabbed her by the arms, and shoved her into a marble window frame, which knocked her to the ground.

    Titus suffered bruising and swelling in her right arm, and experienced “substantial pain.”

    The singer was then charged with a misdemeanor assault and harassment. A report stated that Fagen was released on Tuesday without bail after an arraignment at the Manhattan Criminal Court.

    A protection order was also issued to keep him away from his wife.

    Fagen gained fame for founding the rock band Steely Dan, which he launched together with guitarist Walter Becker in 1972.

    The rock band became very popular and went on to sell over 40 million albums worldwide. Some of their hits include “Reelin’ In the Years,” “Rikki Don’t Lose that Number,” and “Deacon Blues.”

    Watch Steely Dan Give a Live Performance of ‘Deacon Blues’

    In 2001, Steely Dan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band continues to tour but has not launched an album since its 2003 album, Everything Must Go.

    Meanwhile, Fagen has been married to Titus since 1993, six years after they became friends. Titus was a songwriter as well, and they both attended Bard College.

    Titus was also successful during her solo career, collaborating with such esteemed musicians as Paul Simon, Phil Ramone, Robbie Robertson, Burt Bacharach, and Carly Simon.

    Donald Fagan’s Wife Libby Titus is Also a Respected Musician

    She also worked with her husband in launching New York Rock and Soul Revue, a series of concerts that featured top artists and musicians from 1989 to 1992.

    When asked about her condition, Titus said that she doesn’t feel good.

    “I’m very tired, and I’m divorcing my husband,” she told the New York Post.

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