Skunk Baxter Net Worth
Rock music from the 1970s and ’80s, especially Yacht Rock tunes, are making a comeback.
Skunk Baxter, guitarist for both Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, brings an unrivaled perspective to music genre. Additionally, his innovative ideas in counterterrorism, cybersecurity and ballistic missile strategies have won him recognition in defense industry circles.
Early Life and Education
Skunk Baxter, best known for his work with Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers bands, also holds a second career as an expert consultant on missile defense programs.
Baxter attended The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut and Boston University’s School of Public Communications before playing guitar in local Boston bands such as Ultimate Spinach and Holy Modal Rounders; additionally he provided vocal backup for singer Buzzy Linhart.
While working at Manny’s Music in Manhattan – an instrument store dedicated to musicians – Baxter met Jimi Hendrix and briefly joined his band as bassist. Later relocating to Los Angeles as studio session guitarist. Baxter eventually formed Steely Dan in 1972 with Walter Becker and Donald Fagen and contributed albums such as Can’t Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Pretzel Logic.
Professional Career
Jeff Baxter has had an impressive professional life. Starting as a guitarist for Ultimate Spinach, later going on to work with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers; additionally producing albums for Nazareth and other groups.
Skunk Baxter was one of the most prolific session musicians of the 1970s. He appeared on many of Steely Dan’s classic songs such as Can’t Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy and Pretzel Logic, while also serving in Doobie Brothers from 1974 until 1979 and contributing some outstanding pedal steel guitar work on their 1975 album Stampede.
Now, he works as a consultant to the Pentagon on missile defense issues, applying his unique and creative perspective in an area which has seen numerous failures. Additionally, he’s frequently been seen advocating its use on CNN and Fox News programs.
Achievement and Honors
Skunk Baxter, known for his work with Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers’ platinum-selling albums respectively, as well as acting as national security and defense advisor, is an internationally acclaimed guitarist who has become known as an industry expert.
Skunk Baxter began his musical career after briefly performing with Ultimate Spinach; shortly afterwards he joined Steely Dan, helping produce several hit albums such as Takin’ It to the Streets, Livin’ on the Fault Line and Minute by Minute. He left Steely Dan in 1974 to join Doobie Brothers, remaining there until 1979.
Skunk has contributed immensely to both Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers during his time. Notable songs he has written or recorded include those produced for hard rock band Nazareth; additionally he consults for a missile defense company as an advisor.
Personal Life
Skunk Baxter’s exquisite guitar playing can be heard on numerous groundbreaking, multi-platinum albums by Steely Dan (whom he co-founded), the Doobie Brothers and countless other smash hit records – not to mention countless hit records he is featured on as an in-demand session guitarist.
He has not only established an impressive musical career, but has also established an extensive secondary career as a defense consultant. Holding high-level security clearances, he has advised both government agencies and private defense contractors regarding counterterrorism, cyber warfare and ballistic missile systems.
Baxter first attained wide rock recognition while performing with Ultimate Spinach, before moving to California and co-founding Steely Dan with guitarist Denny Dias, bassist Walter Becker, keyboardist Donald Fagen and drummer Jim Hodder in 1972.
Net Worth
After abandoning his studies in Boston to join a short-lived psychedelic rock band, Baxter moved west and founded Steely Dan. Alongside guitarist Denny Dias, bassist Walter Becker, keyboardist Donald Fagen and drummer Jim Hodder he adopted the moniker of Skunk; although its origin remains unknown.
Music fans around the world recognize him for his work with Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers as well as on numerous hit recordings that feature him as an in-demand session guitarist. Additionally, he enjoys an in-demand second career working as a defense consultant on missile defense and counterterrorism projects; moreover he was present for President Trump signing of Music Modernization Act reforming copyright laws.
