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Doobie Brothers' Michael Hossack Dead at 65

Drummer was struggling with cancer

Michael Hossack of the Doobie Brothers performs in California.
UPI Photo/Roger Williams /Landov
March 13, 2012 12:05 PM ET

Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack died at his home in Dubois, Wyoming yesterday at the age of 65. He had been battling cancer for some time and succumbed to complications of the disease with his family at his side.

Hossack was a member of the Doobie Brothers between 1971 and 1973, playing on several of the band's best-known hits, including "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Listen to the Music" and "China Grove." Hossack returned to the band when they reunited in 1987 and was a mainstay of the group through the next two decades, performing on most of the group's tours until he took a health leave in 2010.

The Doobie Brothers released a statement on Hossack in January, saying he was improving slowly. In 2010, Hossack wrote a message to his fans explaining that while "it's been hard not touring with the band," he had "incredible support" from his family, friends and the Doobie Brothers.

You can watch Hossack perform "Listen to the Music" with the Doobie Brothers on The Midnight Special in 1973 below.

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