Diana Baron Media Relations
Michael Hossack, a drummer best known for his work with the Doobie Brothers, died Monday at his home in Dubois, Wyoming, after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
"We're posting this to confirm the sad news that's been circulating very quickly," said the Doobe Brothers in a statement Tuesday. "Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack passed away yesterday... His family was by his side. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We will miss him greatly."
Born in New Jersey, Hossack began playing drums in his pre-teen years before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He planned to pursue a career in law enforcement upon returning in 1969 when a friend coaxed him into auditioning for California group Mourning Reign. The group soon disbanded, but in 1971 the Doobie Brothers asked him to join their band where he would play alongside drummer John Hartman.
"People always ask me if it's hard to play with another drummer," Hossack is quoted as saying in his biography posted on the band's site. "I tell them that after playing along with up to twelve other drummers at once in the drum corps, this is a snap!"
Hossack performed on the band's 1972 sophomore album, 'Toulouse Street,' which features hits such as 'Listen to the Music' and 'Jesus Is Just Alright.' He would also play on additional signatures like 'Blackwater,' 'China Grove' and 'Long Train Runnin'' before leaving the group due to a grueling tour schedule in 1973. After performing in a few groups in the mid-1970s, Hossack became a partner in Chateau Recorders, a North Hollywood recording studio.
In 1987, Hossack was
