List of the Doobie Brothers band members
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/DoobieBrothersCollage-1000.jpg/220px-DoobieBrothersCollage-1000.jpg)
The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band from San Jose, California. Formed in the fall of 1970, the group was originally a quartet which featured lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Johnston, guitarist and second vocalist Patrick Simmons, bassist Dave Shogren and drummer John Hartman. The band's current lineup features Johnston and Simmons alongside vocalist and keyboardist Michael McDonald (who originally joined in 1975) and guitarist/violinist John McFee (who originally joined in 1979). The group's touring lineup also features five additional performers: bassist John Cowan (from 1993 to 1995, and since 2010), saxophonist Marc Russo (since 1998), drummer Ed Toth (since 2005), keyboardist Bill Payne (since 2015) and percussionist Marc Quiñones (since 2018).
Members[]
1970–1982[]
Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Dave Shogren and John Hartman founded the Doobie Brothers in the fall of 1970.[1] After the band released its self-titled debut album and recorded two tracks for 1972's follow-up Toulouse Street, Shogren was replaced by Tiran Porter and Michael Hossack was added as a second drummer in December 1971.[2] The Captain and Me followed, after which Hossack was replaced by Keith Knudsen in September 1973.[3] What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, released in 1974, featured both Hossack and Knudsen.[4] In September 1974, the Doobie Brothers expanded to a six-piece when pedal steel guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter left Steely Dan to join the group.[5] During the tour in promotion of 1975's Stampede, Johnston was forced to take time off due to a stomach illness.[6]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Michael_McDonald_%28singer%29.jpg/220px-Michael_McDonald_%28singer%29.jpg)
With Johnston having to leave in the middle of a tour, Michael McDonald was brought in on keyboards and vocals.[7] The group released Takin' It to the Streets in 1976.[8] After the release of its follow-up Livin' on the Fault Line, Johnston decided to leave the group due to stylistic differences, and embarked on a solo career.[9] He was not replaced, as McDonald subsequently took over as primary lead vocalist.[10] Minute by Minute was released in 1978, before Jeff Baxter and founding drummer John Hartman left in April 1979 – the former to focus on record production, and the latter to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.[11]
Baxter and Hartman were replaced by John McFee and Chet McCracken, respectively, while Cornelius Bumpus joined on saxophone and keyboards.[12] After recording One Step Closer in 1980, Porter was replaced by Willie Weeks, and backup percussionist Bobby LaKind became an official band member.[13] With both leading members Simmons and McDonald beginning to focus more on their respective solo careers, it was announced in March 1982 that the Doobie Brothers had disbanded.[14] The group returned for a final concert tour in the summer, recordings from which were released the following year as Farewell Tour.[15]
1987–1998[]
After a five-year absence, the Doobie Brothers reunited in May 1987 for a tour to benefit the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation, with a 12-piece lineup including Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, Jeff Baxter, John McFee, Tiran Porter, John Hartman, Michael Hossack, Keith Knudsen, Chet McCracken, Bobby LaKind and Cornelius Bumpus.[16] Following the tour, the group reformed permanently and signed with Capitol Records, with a six-piece lineup of Johnston, Simmons, Porter, Hartman, Hossack and LaKind.[17] The band's first studio album in nine years, Cycles, was released in May 1989.[18]
After the release of Cycles, the group toured with saxophonist/keyboardist Bumpus and backup keyboardist Dale Ockerman.[19] A few months into the tour, LaKind left due to medical issues and was replaced by Richard Bryant.[20] Jimi Fox also joined as a second touring percussionist.[21] For the tour in promotion of Brotherhood in 1991, Ockerman, Bryant and Fox remained as touring members.[22] The group toured until November 1991, at which point it disbanded for a second time.[23] In October 1992, the band reunited to perform two shows to benefit Bobby LaKind, who had been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer; the regular lineup was joined by former members Michael McDonald, Jeff Baxter, Bumpus and LaKind himself.[24] The percussionist died of his condition on December 24.[25]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/John-McFee-2010-3.jpg)
In the summer of 1993, the band reformed again with Johnston, Simmons, Hossack and Bumpus joined by John McFee, Willie Weeks and Keith Knudsen; after a few shows, Weeks and Bumpus were replaced by new touring members John Cowan and Danny Hull, respectively.[26] By 1995, the group had been rejoined by McDonald and Bumpus.[27] The tour also saw the introduction of new touring bassist Skylark, while McFee and Knudsen were substituted for select dates by Bernie Chiaravalle and Chet McCracken, respectively.[26] After the recording of Rockin' Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert, McDonald and Bumpus left, and Ockerman was replaced by Guy Allison.[26]
Since 1998[]
By summer 1998, Hull had been replaced by Marc Russo.[28] The group released its first studio album in nine years, Sibling Rivalry, in October 2000.[29] The following June, Hossack was sidelined after being injured in a motorcycle accident.[30] He was temporarily replaced by Marvin "M.B." Gordy.[31] After a few months, Hossack returned and Gordy remained as touring percussionist.[26] Ed Wynne temporarily substituted for Russo during a tour in 2002.[32]
In February 2005, Keith Knudsen died of pneumonia.[33] In April, Gordy left the band.[34] When they resumed touring, the group was joined by former Vertical Horizon drummer Ed Toth, who was introduced to them by Hossack.[35] In the spring of 2010, Skylark was forced to leave after suffering a stroke, with John Cowan returning to take his place on tour; Hossack temporarily left around the same time, due to continuing effects stemming from his 2001 accident, with Tony Pia substituting.[36] It later transpired that Hossack had contracted cancer, from which he later died in March 2012.[37] Pia subsequently remained as second drummer.[38]
Allison was replaced by Bill Payne of Little Feat in November 2015.[39] The following summer, Pia left and Toth remained as the sole drummer.[35] In May 2018, Marc Quiñones joined on percussion.[40] In November 2019, it was announced that Michael McDonald would return for a 50th anniversary tour in 2020.[41] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was postponed.[42]
Current members[]
Official[]
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Patrick Simmons |
|
|
all Doobie Brothers releases | |
Tom Johnston |
|
|
| |
Michael McDonald |
|
|
| |
John McFee |
|
|
|
Touring[]
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
---|---|---|---|---|
John Cowan |
|
|
| |
Marc Russo | 1998–present | saxophone |
| |
Ed Toth | 2005–present |
|
Live from the Beacon Theatre (2019) | |
Bill Payne | 2015–present (plus session contributions in 1972–74, 1978, 1988 and 2009–10) |
|
| |
Marc Quiñones | 2018–present |
|
Live from the Beacon Theatre (2019) |
Former members[]
Official[]
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
---|---|---|---|---|
John Hartman |
|
|
| |
Dave Shogren | 1970–1971 (died 1999) |
|
| |
Michael Hossack |
|
|
| |
Tiran Porter |
|
|
| |
Keith Knudsen |
|
|
| |
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter |
|
|
all Doobie Brothers releases from The Captain and Me (1973) – one track only to Minute by Minute (1978) | |
Chet McCracken |
|
|
| |
Cornelius Bumpus |
|
|
| |
Bobby LaKind |
|
|
all Doobie Brothers releases from Takin' It to the Streets (1976) – three tracks only to Cycles (1989) | |
Willie Weeks |
|
|
|
Touring[]
Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wayne Jackson | 1976–1977 (died 2016) | trumpet | Members of the Memphis Horns performed on Takin' It to the Streets and its tour.[43] | |
Andrew Love | 1976–1977 (died 2012) | tenor saxophone | ||
Lewis Collins | 1976–1977 | |||
James Mitchell | 1976–1977 (died 2000) | baritone saxophone | ||
Jack Hale | 1976–1977 | trombone | ||
Norton Buffalo | 1977–1978 |
|
Buffalo, Butler and McDonald toured following the release of Livin' on the Fault Line.[44] | |
Rosemary Butler | backing vocals | |||
Maureen McDonald | ||||
Dale Ockerman |
|
|
In the absence of Michael McDonald, Ockerman began recording and touring from Cycles.[19] | |
Richard Bryant | 1989–1991 |
|
After Bobby LaKind left due to medical issues, he was replaced by Bryant and Fox.[20][21] | |
Jimi Fox | ||||
Danny Hull | 1993–1998 |
|
Hull took over from Cornelius Bumpus after he left a few weeks into a tour in 1993.[26] | |
Skylark | 1995–2010 |
|
After previous touring bassist John Cowan declined to return in 1995, Skylark took over.[26] | |
Bernie Chiaravalle | 1995 (substitute) | guitar | Chiaravalle temporarily substituted for the unavailable John McFee during a tour in 1995.[45] | |
Guy Allison | 1996–2015 |
|
Allison joined the band's touring lineup in summer 1996, taking over from Ockerman.[46] | |
Marvin "M.B." Gordy | 2001–2005 |
|
Gordy temporarily substituted for Michael Hossack, later remaining on percussion.[31] | |
Ed Wynne | 2002 (substitute) |
|
Wynne temporarily substituted for regular saxophonist Marc Russo during a tour in 2002.[32] | |
Tony Pia | 2010–2016 |
|
Pia substituted for Michael Hossack from 2010 to 2012, and remained after his death.[36] |
Timelines[]
Official members[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/074fvirgux0whlrmxzah3q8mto1fimv.png)
Touring members[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/a6fm0bam2j8s5tuj1uvzhnuab9tc6sk.png)
Lineups[]
Period | Members | Releases |
---|---|---|
Fall 1970 – November 1971 |
|
|
December 1971 – September 1973 |
|
|
September 1973 – September 1974 |
|
|
September 1974 – April 1975 |
|
|
April 1975 – October 1977 |
|
|
October 1977 – April 1979 |
|
|
May 1979 – August 1980 |
|
|
August 1980 – September 1982 |
|
|
Band inactive September 1982 – May 1987 | ||
May – July 1987 |
|
none |
July 1987 – June 1989 |
|
|
June – September 1989 |
|
none |
September – December 1989 |
| |
December 1989 – November 1991 |
|
|
Band inactive November 1991 – October 1992 | ||
October 1992 (two shows) |
|
none |
Band inactive October 1992 – summer 1993 | ||
Summer – fall 1993 |
|
none |
Fall 1993 – early 1995 |
| |
Early 1995 – summer 1996 |
|
|
Summer 1996 – summer 1998 |
|
none |
Summer 1998 – June 2001 |
|
|
June 2001 – February 2005 |
|
|
April 2005 – spring 2010 |
|
none |
Spring 2010 – March 2012 |
|
|
March 2012 – November 2015 |
|
|
November 2015 – summer 2016 |
|
none |
Summer 2016 – May 2018 |
| |
May 2018 – November 2019 |
|
|
November 2019 – present |
|
none to date |
References[]
- ^ "Doobie Brothers: Legendary Rock and Roll Band". Leading Authorities, Inc. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Reid, Edward (April 26, 2020). "Doobie Brothers Fifty Years Of Fame". Weekly Music Commentary. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Keith Knudsen Obituary". The Independent. February 14, 2005. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits – The Doobie Brothers: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Colbert, Paul (September 9, 1988). "Music Datebook" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 754. Los Angeles, California: Radio & Records. p. 50. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
- ^ Greenblatt, Mike (January 19, 2016). "The Doobie Brothers remain vital". Goldmine. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Cashmere, Paul (November 20, 2019). "The Doobie Brothers Reunite With Michael McDonald For 50th Anniversary Tour". Noise11. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Eder, Bruce. "Takin' It to the Streets – The Doobie Brothers: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Jeffries, David. "Tom Johnston: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ White, Timothy (September 20, 1979). "The Doobie Brothers: The Road Goes on Forever". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Graham, Samuel; Sutherland, Sam (April 7, 1979). "The Coast" (PDF). Record World. Vol. 35, no. 1656. New York City, New York: Record World. p. 25. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Move over Mozart for Motor City Madman". Ottawa Journal. May 25, 1979. p. 26. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Harrison, Ed (October 11, 1980). "Closeup: Doobie Brothers – One Step Closer" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 92, no. 41. New York City, New York: Billboard. p. 71. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Harrison, Ed (October 11, 1980). "Doobie Bros. Split; Solo Careers Blamed" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 94, no. 12. New York City, New York: Billboard. p. 10. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Horowitz, Hal. "Farewell Tour – The Doobie Brothers: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Doobie Brothers begin charity tour". The Desert Sun. May 22, 1987. p. A12. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Compact Data: Capitol Signs Doobies, Edmunds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 729. Los Angeles, California: Radio & Records. March 18, 1988. p. 37. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Cycles – The Doobie Brothers: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b "Captured Live!" (PDF). Monday Morning Replay. No. 74. Farmington Hills, Missouri: Mediabase. June 19, 1989. p. 5. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b Robinson, Scott (October 2, 1989). "Doobies: Nostalgia at the Pacific Amphitheatre". Los Angeles Times. p. 66. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b Gilbert, Andrew (December 20, 1989). "Doobies rock and raise aid". Santa Cruz Sentinel. p. 22. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Binggeli, Dagi P. (August 12, 1991). "Doobie Brothers' Energetic Concert Puts True Believers In A Time Warp". Deseret News. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Rene, Sheila (September 18, 1992). "Hear & There" (PDF). Gavin Report. No. 1923. p. 12. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Hochman, Steve (October 16, 1992). "For the Doobies, a Sad Reunion". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Doobie Brother Bobby LaKind Dies of Cancer". Associated Press. December 25, 1992. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Lifton, Dave (November 7, 2019). "Doobie Brothers Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Perkins, Terry (August 8, 1995). "Watered-Down Doobies, Steve Miller". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 41. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Burnes, John (July 4, 1998). "The Doobie Brothers rev up the Harley, fair crowd". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 9. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Vance, Andrew. "Sibling Rivalry – The Doobie Brothers: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Perrone, Pierre (March 20, 2012). "Michael Hossack: Drummer with the Doobie Brothers". The Independent. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b "Main Street survivors add character". Green Bay Press-Gazette. August 3, 2001. p. 38. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b "Ed Wynne "Eddie"". Conn-Selmer. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Obituary: Keith Knudsen, 1948 – 2005". Goldmine. April 23, 2005. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "M.B. Gordy". Yamaha Corporation. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b Frazier, Preston (December 19, 2016). "Ed Toth, drummer with the Doobie Brothers: Something Else! Interview". Something Else!. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b "Doobie Brothers' Bassist & Drummer on Injured Reserve List". VVN Music. July 12, 2010. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Swanson, Dave (March 20, 2012). "Rockers We've Lost in 2012: The Doobie Brothers' Michael Hossack". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ White, Sue (September 29, 2012). "The Doobie Brothers takin' it to the street at Mount Pleasant casino". MLive.com. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Giles, Jeff (November 24, 2015). "Journey Welcome Back Drummer Steve Smith, Announce 2016 Tour With Doobie Brothers". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Doobie Brothers Have Begun Recording New Music; Ex-Allman Brothers Band Member Joins Touring Lineup". KVRV. May 22, 2018. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Young, Alex (November 25, 2019). "Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald reunite for 50th anniversary tour [Updated]". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "The Doobie Brothers reschedule 50th anniversary tour for July 2021". USA Today. May 26, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "The Doobie Brothers live at Von Braun Center, Oct 26, 1975". Wolfgang's. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "The Doobie Brothers live at Rainbow Theatre, Aug 31, 1977". Wolfgang's. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Master Seven Interview with Bernie Chiaravalle". Master Seven. January 3, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Brown, Kent (March 2011). "Interview with John McFee and Guy Allison". Stay Thirsty. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
External links[]
- Lists of members by band
- The Doobie Brothers members