Michael Hossack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Hossack
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Hossack in 1982
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Big Mike |
| Born | October 17, 1946 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | March 12, 2012 (aged 65) Dubois, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Years active | 1969–2010 |
| Associated acts | The Doobie Brothers |
Michael Joseph Hossack (October 17, 1946 – March 12, 2012) was an American drummer. He was best known for playing in the famous rock band The Doobie Brothers. His bandmates often called him "Big Mike."
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Michael Hossack was born in Paterson, New Jersey. He began playing drums at a young age. He learned to play in different drum and bugle corps. These included the Little Falls Cadets, a Boy Scout group. His teachers, Bob Peterson, George Tuthill, and Joe Whelan, taught him great discipline.
After high school, Michael joined the United States Navy. He served for four years during the time of the Vietnam War. When he finished his service in 1969, he thought about becoming a police officer. However, a friend convinced him to try out for a band. This band was called Mourning Reign.
Joining The Doobie Brothers
Mourning Reign was a short-lived band. But it helped Michael get noticed. In 1971, he was invited to play with The Doobie Brothers. The band already had a drummer named John Hartman. When they heard Michael and John play together, they loved the sound.
The Doobie Brothers decided to have two drummers. This made their rhythm section sound even better. Other bands like the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band also used two drummers. Michael played on some of the Doobie Brothers' most famous albums. These included Toulouse Street (1972) and The Captain and Me (1973). He also played on What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974). This album had their first number one hit song, "Black Water."
Life After the Doobies
After a very busy tour in 1973, Michael Hossack left The Doobie Brothers. He then joined a band called Bonaroo. They released one album before breaking up. In 1976, he played briefly with a band called DFK. This group included musicians Les Dudek, Mike Finnigan, and Jim Krueger.
In 1977, Michael became a partner in a recording studio. It was called Chateau Recorders and was in North Hollywood. Michael loved the outdoors. When he wasn't in the studio or touring, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He also loved hunting and fishing.
Return to The Doobie Brothers
In 1987, a former band member, Keith Knudsen, called Michael. He asked Michael to play in some concerts. These shows were to help veterans of the Vietnam War. Since Michael was a veteran himself, he agreed. This led to The Doobie Brothers getting back together after five years.
The concerts were very successful. So, the band decided to play together again permanently. The lineup included Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston, John Hartman, Tiran Porter, Bobby LaKind, and Michael Hossack. Soon after, they signed a new recording contract. Michael's drumming can be heard on many later albums. These include Cycles, Brotherhood, and World Gone Crazy.
Health Challenges and Legacy
On June 22, 2001, Michael had a serious motorcycle accident. He was on his way to a show in Lake Tahoe. He broke several bones and needed surgery. After many months of recovery and physical therapy, he returned to the band.
In 2010, Michael developed cancer. He had to take a break from the band to focus on his health. Michael Hossack passed away from cancer in 2012. He was 65 years old and died at his home in Dubois, Wyoming.
In 2020, Michael Hossack was honored for his music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was a great recognition of his talent as a drummer for The Doobie Brothers.
Selected Albums with The Doobie Brothers
- Toulouse Street
- The Captain and Me
- What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits
- Cycles
- Brotherhood
- Rockin' Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert
- Best of the Doobie Brothers Live
- Sibling Rivalry
- Divided Highway
- Live at Wolf Trap
- Live at the Greek Theater 1982 (guest appearance on one song)
