Chester Eugene McCracken (September 20, 1946 – February 11, 2022) was an American drummer and recording, mixing and mastering engineer. He was a former member and contributing songwriter of American rock band

The Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, known for their flexibility in performing across numerous genres and their vocal harmonies. Active for five decades, with their greatest success in the 1970s, ...

. In 1981, his song "South Bay Strut" (from the album '' One Step Closer'') was nominated for a Grammy at the 23rd Annual Grammy Awards. Also a recording studio owner, he was a recording engineer who was experienced in mixing and mastering records.

Biography

McCracken was born Chester Eugene McCracken on September 20, 1946, in Tacoma, Washington. McCracken was the drummer for

Danny O'Keefe Danny O'Keefe (born May 20, 1943) is an American folk singer and songwriter. Career In 1968, O'Keefe was a member of a four-man heavy psychedelic rock band named Calliope. The group recorded one album, ''Steamed'', for Buddah Records before di ...

in 1972. As a session drummer he recorded with

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, Michael McDonald,

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, Jim Messina,

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, and many others. He was also the drummer on Rare Earth's tour in 1975. In 1979, McCracken joined the Doobie Brothers when he replaced original drummer

John Hartman John Hartman (March 18, 1950 – September 22, 2022)Keith Knudsen Keith A. Knudsen ( ; February 18, 1948 – February 8, 2005) was an American rock drummer, vocalist, and songwriter. Knudsen was best known as a drummer and vocalist for The Doobie Brothers. In addition, he founded the band Southern Pacific with ...

, benefiting the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation. He also filled in for

Michael Hossack Michael Joseph Hossack (October 17, 1946 – March 12, 2012) was an American drummer for the rock band The Doobie Brothers. Biography Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Hossack was known as "Big Mike" to his former band members. He started playin ...

after an injury in July 1993. Additionally, he joined the Doobie Brothers on their 1995 "Dreams Come True" tour, which was a co-headlining tour with the

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. In 1999 McCracken was part of a Doobie Brothers

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with fellow former members

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and Dave Shogren. The Doobie Brothers obtained an injunction preventing this band from performing under any variation of the "Doobie Brothers" name. McCracken died on February 11, 2022, in West Hills, California.

Solo Discography

* ''Flight to Moscow'' – 1990 * ''Partners'' – 1991 (featuring

Chris Pinnick Chris Pinnick is an American guitarist and songwriter, probably best known for his work with the band Chicago from 1980–1985. Pinnick was born on July 23, 1953 in Van Nuys, California and took up the guitar at the age of seven. An early exampl ...

) * ''After the Rain'' – 1994 * ''Tequila'' – 1996 (featuring Sam Riney)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:McCracken, Chet 1946 births 2022 deaths American drummers Musicians from Tacoma, Washington