John Hartman, one of the founders of The Doobie Brothers, has passed away. The cause of death of 72-year-old Hartman, who mourned his fans with his death, was not disclosed.
Famous drummer John Hartman, co-founder of The Doobie Brothers, has died at the age of 72. The group announced Hartman’s death on their official social media pages.
The Doobie Brothers reported the news, “Today we’re thinking of John Hartman, or Little John for us. John was a wild soul, a great drummer and entertainer during his time with the Doobies. He was also a close friend for many years and was a complex part of the group personality.”
John Hartman worked with the rock band twice from the early 1970s to the early 1990s.
WHO IS JOHN HARTMAN?
Hartman formed the band in 1969 in Northern California after meeting lead singer Tom Johnston and later guitarist Pat Simmons.
Although their self-titled debut album in 1971 didn’t hit the charts, their second studio album “Toulouse Street” became a fan favorite thanks to songs like “Listen to the Music” and “Jesus is Just Alright”. The album peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 charts in 1972.
After eight studio albums in 1979, Hartman left the band before the release of their ninth album, “One Step Closer,” after a tense tour of Japan, according to Rolling Stone.
Ten years later, in 1989, Hartman returned for the album “Cycles” and the album “Brotherhood” in 1991, and left the band again, this time in 1992.
In 2020, Hartman and other surviving members of the band Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Michael Hossack, Tom Johnston, Keith Knudsen, Michael McDonald, John McFee, Tiran Porter, and Patrick Simmons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.