5 Things to Know About Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” Singer

David Palmer sang lead on “Dirty Work,” not Donald Fagen. Palmer also sang lead on “Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me).”

These are the only two tracks on Steely Dan’s debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill not sung by Fagen. Fagen handled vocals on the rest of the album.

Palmer was a founding member of Steely Dan but left the band shortly after the album’s release. He did not appear on any subsequent Steely Dan records.

His vocal style is noticeably smoother and less nasal than Fagen’s. This gives “Dirty Work” a distinct, almost pop-soul feel compared to the band’s later sound.

Despite his brief tenure, Palmer’s performance on “Dirty Work” remains one of Steely Dan’s most recognizable songs. The track has been covered by numerous artists and is a staple of classic rock radio.