Keith Knudsen, drummer for California rockers the Doobie Brothers, died of pneumonia yesterday at the age of fifty-six after a month-long hospital stay in San Francisco. He joined the band in 1974, playing on six albums and hits such as "Taking It to the Streets" and "Black Water."

Knudsen played with the group through their 1982 farewell tour, at which point he and Doobie guitarist John McPhee formed country-rock band Southern Pacific. He joined the reunited Doobies in 1993. The band has been playing more than 100 gigs annually and are set to release a new album this summer. Knudsen was also working on a solo album.

Knudsen, who lived in Sonoma County, is survived by his wife Kate and daughter Dayna. Donations can be made to Knudsen's preferred charity, the National Veterans Foundation.