I have always found it fascinating how some lives unfold like a perfectly layered Steely Dan track. Complex on the surface yet grounded in simple rhythms of family and passion. That is exactly how I see William Backal. Born on December 3, 1958, in the Chicago area, he grew up in a blended household that mixed resilience with reinvention. His mother Joyce Helen Brandecki Backal, born February 9, 1926, in Chicago, first married Leonard Anthony Sajdak around 1945. That union brought Pat Sajak into the world on October 26, 1946, and later David Sajdak on November 8, 1949. After divorce and Leonard’s death in 1961, Joyce married Walter Backal in 1956. Two years later William arrived, completing the family circle as the only child from that second marriage.
I picture young William navigating Chicago winters and family transitions. The household carried stories of loss and new beginnings. Joyce passed away on March 1, 2012, at age 86 in Elgin, Illinois. Walter had predeceased her. David followed later that year on November 20, 2012, at age 63. Through it all, the siblings stayed connected in their own ways. Pat built a legendary career hosting Wheel of Fortune from 1981 to 2024. William charted a quieter path, one that eventually led west.
By the late 1990s property records place him in Garden Grove, California. He settled in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, a coastal gem known for its historic mission and vibrant arts scene. There, in the 949 area code, he built his adult life. I admire how he turned that relocation into roots that run deep, both professionally and personally.
The Family Foundation That Holds Strong
Family for William Backal feels like a tight rhythm section. Everyone locks in, supports the lead, and creates something greater than solo performances. At the center stands Betsy Backal, born around July 1961. The couple has shared roughly 40 years of marriage since about 1985. Betsy brings detail-oriented precision to everything she touches. Her voice and arrangements add warmth and structure wherever she goes.
Together they raised two children who carry forward the family spirit. Daughter Emily Backal entered the world around January 1991. Now in her mid-30s, she appears in records linked closely to her parents and brother. Some mentions tie her to music events and broader networks, including possible professional paths like aviation, though details stay private. She represents the next generation bridging Chicago heritage with California dreams.
Son Evan Backal arrived in the early 1990s. He plays bass with uncanny precision and learned the instrument specifically to tackle Steely Dan classics like “Night by Night” and “Any Major Dude.” Evan collected live-music memorabilia as a kid during family road trips. He even played college lacrosse at Carthage College in 2013. Today he anchors the family band with skill that spans genres and generations.
Let me introduce each member more fully through this table that captures their roles and highlights.
| Family Member | Relationship to William | Birth Year | Key Contributions and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joyce Helen Brandecki Backal | Mother | 1926 | Chicago native; married Walter in 1956; passed March 1, 2012; united three sons and four grandchildren |
| Walter Backal | Father | Pre-2012 | Married Joyce in 1956; provided stability in blended family |
| Pat Sajak | Half-brother | 1946 | Wheel of Fortune host 1981-2024; married to Lesly since 1989; children Patrick (b. 1990) and Maggie (b. 1995) |
| David Sajdak | Half-brother | 1949 | Passed November 20, 2012; remembered as loving brother in family memorials |
| Betsy Backal | Wife | 1961 | Married ~40 years; vocals and arrangements in family band; avid hiker who completed 500-mile Camino Frances |
| Emily Backal | Daughter | 1991 | Mid-30s; tied to family music events; maintains connections across regions |
| Evan Backal | Son | Early 1990s | Bassist in band; lacrosse player; live-music collector; learned Steely Dan catalog on the road with parents |
This structure shows how the Backals form a multi-generational unit. Pat’s children Patrick and Maggie round out the grandchildren listed in Joyce’s obituary alongside Emily and Evan. I see metaphors here. The family operates like a well-rehearsed ensemble. Challenges come, yet harmony prevails.
Career Notes and the Call of the Classroom
William Backal chose education as his daytime foundation. He joined Capistrano Unified School District by 2013, first teaching elementary then shifting to middle school. Public payroll data paints a picture of steady dedication. In 2019 he earned $104,226 in regular pay plus $600 other pay for a total of $104,826. Benefits added $32,460, bringing total compensation to $137,286. That figure sat well above district averages, reflecting years of service and step increases. Earlier records note his start in 2013 with compensation around $82,000 rising progressively. He continues shaping young minds in San Juan Capistrano, a role that demands patience and creativity much like his music.
Numbers tell part of the story. From 2013 onward he logged consistent years in the classroom. By 2021 some reports list base pay around $67,564 in certain snapshots, though full compensation packages include benefits that support a comfortable life. I respect educators who balance public service with personal passions. William does exactly that.
The Band That Turned a Hobby Into Harmony
William performs with Kids of Charlemagne on guitar outside the classroom. Around 2015, he formed the six-piece Steely Dan tribute band. It started as Old Money Jim, a blues-rock band. Fans demanded Steely Dan songs during sets. Drummer Will Ferguson advised all-in. It honours “Kid Charlemagne.” The band totally dedicated to the catalog by 2019.
Group members are close. Bill Backal plays lead guitar and captures intricate styles. Betsy meticulously arranges vocals. Evan nails basslines. Ben Camp raises keyboards. Drummer Will Ferguson experiments freely. Spiritful Gary Rea sings. Like Steely Dan, the audience is 30–60.
Coach House performances in San Juan Capistrano felt like homecomings. Their April 2022 debut sold out. Steely Dan returned in November 2022 to celebrate their debut album’s 50th anniversary. Their fourth appearance was May 31, 2025. At 8:00 pm on February 28, 2026, another date falls. Opening at 6:00 pm. Tickets cost $25–$33.50. The iconic arena where William watched his heroes now accommodates his band. He said he couldn’t sleep a month before his debut.
Top hits like “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and “Reelin’ in the Years” are mixed with deep cuts like “Aja,” “Gaucho,” “Babylon Sisters,” and “Razor Boy.” The band adds distinctive ends to faded songs. Once, half the repertory seemed impossible. Now they excel. During features, Betsy best describes it. “Playing the finest music ever written with my loved ones is a thrill. Never take it for granted.”
The family hikes offstage. William and Betsy finished Spain’s 500-mile Camino Frances. The Portuguese route is planned next. Evan collects musical memorabilia. These subtleties evoke life. Music bonds generations. Betsy was congratulated by a firefighter fan after fighting the Palisades fire, demonstrating how their sets affect real lives.
Extended Timeline of Milestones
I compiled key dates to trace the journey clearly.
1958: William born December 3 in Chicago area.
1956: Joyce marries Walter Backal.
1961: Pat’s father Leonard dies.
~1985: William marries Betsy.
~1991: Daughter Emily born.
Early 1990s: Son Evan born.
1997: Early California property records appear.
2012: Joyce passes March 1; David passes November 20.
2013: William begins teaching in Capistrano Unified.
~2015: Band forms as blues-rock outfit.
~2019: Full pivot to Steely Dan tribute; 2019 salary peaks at $137,286 total compensation.
2022: First Coach House show in April; return in November.
2025: May community feature highlights band; fourth Coach House performance May 31.
2026: February 28 Coach House show scheduled.
FAQ
Who exactly is William Backal in relation to Pat Sajak?
William Backal is the half-brother of Pat Sajak. They share mother Joyce, who remarried after her first marriage ended. William was born in 1958, twelve years after Pat.
What does William Backal do for a living?
He teaches middle school in Capistrano Unified School District since at least 2013. He also leads Kids of Charlemagne as guitarist and founder.
How did Kids of Charlemagne start?
It evolved from a blues-rock band when audiences demanded more Steely Dan covers. By 2019 the group dedicated itself fully to the tribute, drawing from fan requests and internal passion.
What personal adventures define the Backal family?
William and Betsy hiked the full 500-mile Camino Frances in Spain. They plan the Portuguese Camino next. Evan collects live-show memorabilia, and the family bonds through music and travel.
Where can fans see the band perform?
They appear regularly at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The next listed date is February 28, 2026. Local South Orange County venues in San Clemente and Dana Point also host them.
Does the family maintain ties to Chicago?
Yes, through Joyce’s legacy and occasional connections. Yet daily life centers firmly in Southern California, where education, music, and hiking create their daily rhythm.
William Backal shows that spotlight and quiet contribution can coexist beautifully. His story reminds me that the best harmonies often come from family, dedication, and the courage to chase both classroom lessons and stage lights. The numbers, dates, and shared moments add depth to a life lived fully on its own terms.
