Doobie Brothers founding drummer John Hartman dies

Hartman co-formed the group around 1970

Doobie Brothers original drummer John Hartman has passed away at the age of 72. The group shared the news on social media on Thursday (Sept 22nd).

“Today we are thinking of John Hartman, or Little John to us,” they write. “John was a wild spirit, great drummer, and showman during his time in the Doobies. He was also a close friend for many years and an intricate part of the band personality! We send our condolences to all his loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace John.”

Specifics regarding his death, including the date and circumstances, are unclear as of press time.

Hartman was a member from 1969-1979 and 1987-1992.

The group formed San Jose, CA in the late 1960s when Hartman arrived in Northern California from Falls Church, VA. Hartman was introduced to Tom Johnston before the pair met Pat Simmons and created The Doobie Brothers.

While their debut album in 1971 did not chart, just a year a later, their second record, Toulouse Street, became a breakout sensation. Producer Ted Templeman helped the band craft a sound that was organic, yet radio friendly, and brought in Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne to add unique musical textures.

In 1972, the band established themselves with a breathtaking run of hits on Warner Bros. Records that tapped into a myriad of American styles. Hartman can be heard drumming on hits such as “Listen to the Music,” “Jesus is Just Alright,” “China Grove,” “Black Water,” “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Long Train Runnin’” and other anthemic singles that confirmed their status as fine craftsman who could also rock arenas.

In 1974, Steely Dan co-lead guitarist and session legend Jeff “Skunk” Baxter joined the band as third guitarist, one of many unique and talented players who would revolve in and out of the band over the years. The group’s expanded lineup was augmented in 1975 by Michael McDonald, whose soulful vocals and songwriting led to the hits “What a Fool Believes,” “Minute by Minute,” “Takin’ It To The Streets,” and “You Belong To Me.” Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, John McFee, joined in 1978 bringing his wide range of musical styles and experience recording with Van Morrison, Steve Miller, Elvis Costello, and The Grateful Dead to The Doobies’ sound.

The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, have won four GRAMMY Awards and sold more than 48 million records worldwide, including three multi-Platinum, seven Platinum, and 14 Gold albums. Their 1976 Best of the Doobies has sold more than 12 million copies, earning rare RIAA Diamond status. Their No. 1 gold-certified singles “Black Water” (1974) and “What a Fool Believes” (1979) lead a catalog of hits that includes “Listen to the Music,” “Jesus Is Just All Right,” “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “China Grove,” “Take Me In Your Arms,” Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Minute by Minute,” “You Belong to Me,” and “The Doctor.” In all, The Doobies have tallied five Top 10 singles and 16 Top 40 hits.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com