John Hartman, the original drummer for the American rock band The Doobie Brothers, passed away at the age of 72. Although the band released a statement acknowledging Hartman’s death, neither the cause nor the date was specified.
According to the statement, John Hartman was a “wild spirit, excellent drummer, and showman” throughout his stay with the business. The band offered condolences to Hartman’s family, adding that he was an “integral part” of their identity.
In the early 1970s, John Hartman co-founded the original Doobie Brothers with guitarists and vocalists Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston. Hartman was the drummer for the Doobie Brothers’ first eight albums, beginning with their 1971 debut. The album was produced by Ted Templeman.
He also appeared on the popular singles Listen To The Music (1972), Long Train Runnin (1973), and What a Fool Believes (1978).
The third song went on to become the band’s Billboard 200 No. 1 album. As a member of the Doobie Brothers, John Hartman will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
Tributes pour in for the late Doobie Brothers drummer John Hartman
Page Contents
Hartman’s death saddened rock and roll and Doobie Brothers fans, who rushed to social media to express their sorrow. Others remarked that neither they nor his music will ever be forgotten.
Early in John Hartman’s career
Skip Spence from Moby Grape introduced Hartman to Tom Johnston, whose power impressed Hartman. In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Hartman spoke about Johnston, with whom he also shared a residence:
The volume was really loud when Johnston turned it on. Soon thereafter, the police arrived and said, “Stop!” Consequently, we toned it down.”
The quartet was later joined by guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren. While performing in Northern California Bay Area pubs, Hartman met the couple. Hartman was born on March 18, 1950, in Falls Church, Virginia.
In 1970, Hartman relocated to San Jose and founded The Doobie Brothers. He was a member of the band until its dissolution in 1979. Following a five-year hiatus, the Doobie Brothers returned in 1987 to perform at a benefit for the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation.
In the same year, the band reassembled, and drummer Hartman returned. He appeared on two reunion albums released subsequently, Cycles (1989) and Brotherhood (1991).
In 1992, Hartman formally left the band. From 1970 to 1979, and again from 1987 to 1992, Hartman was a member of the band.
Also Read: Who Is Hassan Whiteside’s Girlfriend? Dating Life, Baby, Family
