Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Michael Hossack Obituary
The band's manager, Bruce Cohn, said in a statement that Hossack died of cancer on Monday in his home in Dubois (DO'-boys), Wyo.
Hossack played with the group from 1971 to 1973 and rejoined in 1987. His drumming can be heard on early hits including "Listen To The Music," ''China Grove" and "Blackwater." He stopped performing with the band two years ago while struggling with cancer.
Doobie Brothers co-founder Tom Johnston said, "Mike has always been a part of my musical life and the life of the Doobie Brothers ... He was an incredible musician."
Hossack grew up in New Jersey and served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He is survived by a son and daughter.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
174 Entries
Pamela Seal
June 19, 2025
Remembering Michael Hossack whom I was privileged to work with as he produced a great audition tape for me for the Star Search television competition. He really liked a song written by a friend of mine in which we made the show with this original song and then a producer of the show changed their mind and said he wanted a cover song instead and they went with some else for the show. It was a great experience and at the time I met his beautiful daughter. Oh how he loved his children and I took a picture of them together. Years later, The Doobie Brothers were playing at Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas/Ft.Wirth and his daughters there and I was able to give her a copy of the picture and tell her how much her Dad talked about his children he loved so much. Michael was very happy zI told her. At that time he had a motorcycle accident and said he was in pain except when he played drums and what a show he put on that day behind the drum kit. Thank you Michael for sharing your incredible gifts and may you rest in peace.
robert whitty
June 21, 2020
Great time with you and Mark Russo playing pool during the blizzard in Stamford! Fond memories live forever!
My Friend Ray Sims R.I.P.
Blu Bell
September 20, 2019
Joseph Waleski
July 31, 2019
What were you going through my friend........wish I could have been there for you. Nothing but good times Big Mike. R.I.P!
How you can show support
Torrey Leininger
July 20, 2016
First met "Big Mike" in the early 70's.What a guy and a great drummer. You and Keith sure did a hell of a job. Will never forget how friendly you have been to Gayle and I over the years.
Will miss you forever.
March 12, 2015
xxxooo
Dayna Knudsen
December 27, 2012
Hey you. I have prayed really hard that my dad share my feeling that you are the most hilarious person ever. And I feel like it worked. It sucks for us that all of the best drummers are up there now...but I feel good knowing that he gets all your jokes now. I miss you.
..
John Riding
December 20, 2012
A great musician who contributed so much during his lifetime.He will be sadly missed by so many over here in the UK.Rest in Peace.
October 6, 2012
RIP Michael...I will always remember the fun we had at Bodega. Love you, Maureen
JL Robertson
July 13, 2012
So Sorry to hear the news, Vancouver will miss you, in our hearts forever.
Peace and Love
Raé Miller
April 26, 2012
Sending love and light to Michael's family and friends.
Greg Goodall
April 5, 2012
RIP Mike, I will miss your incredible talent. We have met several times, being a fellow drummer we shared some great memories. My sincere sympathy to your family and all the all "THE BROTHERS".
Terry Barbay
April 4, 2012
I will miss you in Dallas with chicago. You are the man. The drums in heaven will love you.
Craig Hossack
March 23, 2012
Although we didn't spend alot of time together, what little time we did was very memorable for me. I wish I made more time for us. I miss you and love you. Rest in peace Uncle Mike.
arnold martinez
March 21, 2012
R.i.P
Chaplain Richard Reuer
March 21, 2012
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. "Honoring Those Who Served-Ministry" -Chaplain Richard Reuer, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701
sue
March 21, 2012
RIP Mike. It was a pleasure to know you and your music. Everyone here in little ole Topaz have fond memories of you. I loved it when you would occasionaly call me at the p.o. just to say hi when you were on tour. Prayers to your family.
Ray Dorst
March 20, 2012
Mike , will miss you . The memories of you me , Mike K. and his dog Sid are with me forever. Miss you brother. Rest in peace and thanx for the memories.
March 20, 2012
May God bless you and your family Michael. We will always "Listen to the Music" and think of your wonderful talent forever silenced. From the city that brings you the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Cleveland, Ohio
March 20, 2012
Heaven now has a Doobie Angel! RIP Micheal your music will be FOREVER... may all your sweet memories keep your family and friends going thur this tough time may god be with each and everyone you always... LOVE FROM A FAN
March 19, 2012
Losing a musical talent is always a tragedy for everyone. May the grace of God hold you tightly as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing.
Somebody in Syracuse, NY
Arthur Katz
March 19, 2012
It was an honor to meet such a talent. Your music will carry forever. Our prayers to your family .Rest in peace
B WEAVER
March 18, 2012
GOD BLESS YA MIKE. AND MAY GOD COMFORT YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. AND MAY CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE DOOBIES..I'LL KEEP LISTENING TO THE MUSIC THATS FOR SURE...
sherry martin
March 18, 2012
my prayer go out to his family and friends and fans
March 18, 2012
My sympathy goes to the family and friends of Michael Hossack. Remember to always pray and never give up.
Tony
March 18, 2012
Mike will be missed. I hope that comforts you in your sad time.
Sara
March 18, 2012
Michael was an excellent drummer. Glad he was in The Doobie Brothers band. My sympathies to the family.
DEAN&KIM WOODS
March 18, 2012
thank you for so many wonderful tunes..
my fav. being Jesus hes my friend!!God bless & enjoy heaven..
J. morgan
March 18, 2012
My condolences to the family of Mr Michael Hossock please take comfort in the hope that is held out for all those asleep in death,to live again.
Geline
March 18, 2012
My condolences to the family in your time of loss. Know that God will comfort your heart as you put your trust in him.
Adrian Barnette
March 18, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Brown
March 17, 2012
God Bless You Michael and your family. I am glad I had a chance to meet you. Thanks for the drum stick.
Tommy Casterlin
March 17, 2012
A great group of musicians, always enjoyed their music and the world has lost another great contributor to the music industry. My condolences to his family and The Doobie Brothers
desiree holmes
March 17, 2012
I'm so very sorry to hear of Michael's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, and i'll always have good memories. God bless you Michael...
Fontana Clater
March 17, 2012
I was your biggest fan!! Hundreds of concerts!! RIP my friend and I will come to visit you someday!
Peace, Fontana
rick
March 17, 2012
aalways enjoyed the doobie brothers ---my thoughts and prayers will go out to him and his family -.
Lisa Greene
March 17, 2012
I enjoyed their music so much and my prayers go out to his family.
valerie valentine
March 17, 2012
I did not know his name but I knew of the Doobie Brothers. I loved them. We send our condolences to the family. Very soon, sickness and death will be no more.
Cheryl Moore
March 17, 2012
Passing of a love one can be devastating. With prayer and time it will help you. "Throw your burden upon God himself, and he himself will sustain you". Ps. 55:22
March 17, 2012
its said to see a drummer like Michael Hossack leave use because of cancer. A day where no one sick will walk the face of this earth would be a dream come true. A thought that keeps me happy and that i have faith that gods says that "no one will say i'm sick" and that always brings me joy and excitement.
Pam Rogers
March 17, 2012
I didn't know him or any of his family,but my thoughts & prayers go out to his family for your loss of Michael .
May God Bless You All !
Nancy McCartney
March 16, 2012
So sorry to hear about the loss of his life. He will never be forgotten by those who new him. May peace continue to be with your family and those who knew him!
Frances Cole
March 16, 2012
our condolences to the family of Michael Hossack our prayers and thoughts go out to you we say Mike at Neimans a few times and he was a great guy you will be missed
The Cole Family
micahel Ortiz
March 16, 2012
Thanks Mike, you were always upbeat, funny, generous, kind, and had an incredible ability to rebound after so many difficult situations in your life. You will never be forgotten, and i will remember your smile, good heart, and your friends that introduced me to your presence.
Rest in peace my friend Mao 040
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8uCryLHnt4s
Rodney Mills
March 16, 2012
I worked on two albums with Michael and will never forget him for all the help he gave me. He truly gave invaluable aid and advice more than anyone knows. I appreciate him and mourn his loss. RM
March 16, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
March 16, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Chuck G
March 16, 2012
Michael, you and the Doobies were the best and one of my favorite all time bands. I grew up with your music, and will always remember how great the Doobies are!
Debra Arm
March 16, 2012
Michael my Heart is sadded from your loss you were my Generation Music .I remember Listening to The Doobies in 1986 ,I loved your music from that day on .Michael PRAYER GOES out to your children and fAMILY and to your second Family The DOOBIES.ROCK ON for your music will always Live on .RIP MICHAEL
Bikini Joe Carolina Music and Bands
March 16, 2012
Joe Crayton Clinard Jr We remember them and what a group, had them in 2 concerts in both Winston Salem and Asheville.
16 minutes ago · Like
Joe Crayton Clinard Jr Doobie Brothers Listen To The Music LIVE Midnight Special 1973 (Many of us covered this great song and others...I post this because I do think Michael was with the band on this tape (jOe) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOTr_4Zs_Us
Doobie Brothers Listen To The Music LIVE Midnight Special 1973
www.youtube.com
Doobie Brothers Listen To The Music LIVE Midnight Special 1973
5 minutes ago · Like ·
Joe Crayton Clinard Jr Just like Terry Kath Guitar playing with Chicago the Doobies 2 Drummers was sometimes over looked as how important it was and how it set them apart and took them to the next level on stage and live..Michael RIP
March 16, 2012
Music is truly and wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father. May the family of Michael Hossack be comforted by his wonderful musical memories.
Paul L Martinez
March 15, 2012
Michael you will be missed,I remember hearing Listen to the Music for the first time,I was 15 at the time,and I was hooked.Saw the Doobies in 1986 free concert in San Jose,Ca.My condolences to the family and the rest of the Doobies,Rest in Peace.
March 15, 2012
Michael "Mikey" Hossack, we'll miss you on drums until we meet again at the big concert in the sky...
I have my tickets to the Avila Beach, California concert in May, and will be thinking about you ~ oh, black water!!
As ever,
~LWM Jr.
stan goldinger
March 15, 2012
Mikey - Being 61 yrs old I still can't remember a drummer that could carry a song like you. You deserve to be known as the best. RIP Brother.
March 15, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Hossack family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Bob
March 15, 2012
All of a sudden there's a hole in the music world.
John ,Kathy Price
March 15, 2012
R.I.P. We appreciate all the good music that you put out through the years. Our condolence goes out to your family , and your son and daughter. Sincerly, John and Kathy Price Lansing , Mi.
Dave
March 15, 2012
Thanks Mike,you were always part of my routeen for warm ups .
March 15, 2012
God bless you and your loved ones ~ I will continue to love your music.
R.I.P.
Cara Washington Jackson
March 15, 2012
Thank you for the wonderful music you gave us all; I've always enjoyed your sounds and hope God speeds you straight into His arms. (Cara Washington Jackson, Cincinnati, OH)
stephen skaggs
March 15, 2012
RIP Your songs will forever be in my life and in me
March 15, 2012
Death, be not proud
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
By John Donne
The Poetry Foundation
Robbie Woodard
March 14, 2012
From one musician whom your music has inspired, I just want to thank you for the infinate mark you have left in this world and beautiful music you and the doobie brothers made in your time rest in piece and my condolences to your family
Diana Reynolds
March 14, 2012
Rest in peace Michael. Thanks for the great music.
Rosalinda Lucero
March 14, 2012
God bless your in this difficult time
ms
March 14, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss. " May the God who gives you peace be with you." Rom. 15:33
Rev. Brian Browder
March 14, 2012
GOD needed a GOOD drummer for his new band,he chose you.Thank you for years of enjoyment you gave to me.Rest now my friend.
Mark Zawko
March 14, 2012
My Sincere Condolences to the family. Michael not only inspired me but my brother also whom became a great drummer. We cannot thank you enough for those Great Memories of the music we all still play. It was a time when music was MUSIC! My condolences to the Doobie Brothers also. A Forever Fan! God Bless!
Larry Castille
March 14, 2012
Lord,Be with the family and friends ! RIP !!
Deb Westendorf
March 14, 2012
Your music will never die .............RIP!
March 14, 2012
THANK YOU..............Robert (bakersfield, ca)
Tony Flores
March 14, 2012
RIP. Thank you for being a big part of my life by being such a big part of The Doobie Brothers. Always one of my favorite all time groups. I will always remember passing through China Grove while traveling near San Antonio. Peace to you and God bless
kim
March 14, 2012
"oh i built me a raft and she's ready for floating.." float on in peace and love
Cheryl
March 14, 2012
I was lucky enough to meet Mike on a few occasions and he was always a very nice, sweet man. So sad to hear about his cancer and his passing. My prayers to his family....
Raymond Goodrich
March 14, 2012
Michael was one of the greatest, if not perhaps the greatest, groove drummers that ever played. He was a musical hero for many drummers like myself who admired the inventiveness of his playing behind a large polished band.
Lee
March 14, 2012
Fond memories a bygone era and a everlasting longing for them back. (RIP) Ur music will live on............
Darlene Rice
March 14, 2012
Grew up with your music and loved it all....You will be missed....God Bless you
Linda Hoski
March 14, 2012
Rest In Peace,Mike. Thank=You For All The Great Music You Made With The Doobie Brothers.My Heartfelt Sympathy To His Family.
Michael Clark
March 14, 2012
Michael Clark Fellow Drumer God Bless Bro In our Thoughs Always Peace & Love
Gail
March 14, 2012
You now can make beautiful music up in heaven.You will be missed.
Betty Gossard
March 14, 2012
The Doobie Brothers hold a special place in my heart and Micheal will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God bless.
Victoria&Andrew
March 14, 2012
*Circle of Life*
Faith&Happiness
Angels mourn n`sigh
~BillGraham Productions~
Our sentiments
Go out to MICHAEL
of the Doobie Brothers
Thank you for Being a part of a
ICON Legacy of Brillant Written Music
GodBless you and all who loved you'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Booker
March 14, 2012
I met Mike when he was up here in Maine visiting Bill Chinnock. We had just completed the Doobie Brothers first web site. I remember talking about hunting with him and him telling stories about the band. He was a real nice fellow and it was really enjoyable to meet him. RIP Mike.
P. Craze
March 14, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful musician. Music was your calling and now you are called to do more great works for lord. Your music and service to this country will not be forgotten.
a fan
March 14, 2012
You are back with your HOLY FATHER...and ur music will stay with us left behind...
Sue Lewis
March 14, 2012
I truly appreciate the music of the Doobie Brothers. Michael was a big part of the stardom they rose to. You may be gone but your legend will live forever. RIP Sue Lewis (High Point, NC)
Mr & Mrs M L T.
March 14, 2012
RIP Mike, We still enjoy The Doobie Brothers Music!! Prayers for you,your family and your band!
mary clark
March 14, 2012
Sorry for your loss.His music will live on forever.
Dennis Gray
March 14, 2012
Thanks for the music, Mike. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Sherri Parr
March 14, 2012
We will NEVER forget the music you played with the Doobie Brothers...you will forever be in our hearts..
Harriett care's
March 14, 2012
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one. I hope Matthew 11:28-30 offer your family some words of comforts
March 14, 2012
Saw the Dobbies way back in the day (1970's - Nashville, Tennessee). Loved their music and missed them when they came to Charlotte last year. May Mr. Michael Hossack rest in peace. He helped to make this world a better place. Respectfully submitted by:
Artemus Flagg, Ph. D., LPC - Charlotte, NC
Sharon Elder
March 14, 2012
Thank you for the great music. I just saw you last summer at a concert, along with Lynyrd Skynyrd, at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY. Brought back a lot of fond memories. RIP and I know that you are in Rock-n-Roll Heaven.
JIm Nargiso
March 14, 2012
Rest in peace from an OLOL drumming buddy
March 14, 2012
The Doobies are part of our heart & soul. We were fortunate to see you in concert many, many times in the past and will continue in the future. You will be missed , but your spirit will be there everytime the band plays. Thanks for the great music and love.
Geri & Steve McMurdie, Salt Lake City, Utah
Showing 1 - 100 of 174 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Hossack's name
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Hossack's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored