57pbass Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 1 hour, 43 minutes ago Entertainment - AP Music By KIM CURTIS, Associated Press Writer SAN FRANCISCO - Keith Knudsen, the longtime Doobie Brothers drummer who was part of the band during a string of hits that included "Taking it to the Streets" and "Black Water," died of pneumonia Tuesday. He was 56. Knudsen had been hospitalized for more than a month, according to the band's longtime manager Bruce Cohn. "I just saw him Sunday, just before the Super Bowl," Cohn said. "He was in good spirits. He was weak, but he was OK." Knudsen began drumming in eighth grade and joined the Doobie Brothers in 1974. "After a week's rehearsal, I went on the road with the band," Knudsen said in his biography on the band's Web site. The Doobies were known for incorporating gospel and jazz stylings into popular hit songs. They also were well-regarded for their live performances. Their other hits included "China Grove" and "Jesus is Just Alright." Knudsen played with the Doobies until the band's 1982 farewell tour. During the band's hiatus, Knudsen and bandmate John McFee formed the country rock group Southern Pacific, which released four albums and had several hits. He rejoined the band full-time in 1993. "He's going to be missed," said Tom Johnston, the band's founder. "We're going to miss him on drums. I'm going to miss him as a buddy." Knudsen, who lived in Sonoma County's wine country, had cancer in 1995 Johnston said. "It left him weak and I don't think he ever fully regained all his strength," Johnston said. He said the band was currently performing about 100 concerts a year and is scheduled to release a new album this summer. www.danielprine.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 I always liked the Doobie's, sad news indeed. Rest in Peace, Keith Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnb Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 Peace be with you Kieth. Thanks for all the great grooves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groovyjazzyfunky Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 That Doobies "Michael McDonald era" is def my favorite. I'm only a casual fan so Keith Knudsen isn't a familiar name to me, but if he was the drummer on "What A Fool Believes" and "Takin' It To The Streets" then I'll miss him. All your bass are belong to us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prague Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 I saw the Doobies in 74. They had two drummers. He must have been one of them, but the article seems to indicate that he was from a later era. I do recall a show that said one of the drummers was a roadie for a while and then played with the band. I wonder if this is him. That was one of my very first pro shows I ever saw. Sad news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edendude Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 This was the music I listened to in high school (1976,77,78). The Doobies always bring back fond memories of that period for me. 56 is damn young, too. Sad. My Last Band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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