Late 2011 and early 2012 has not been kind to the world of music. Recent losses such as Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Cesária Évora, Etta James, Johnny Otis, and Davy Jones have shook the musical world, and today we hear about yet another loss. Michael Hossack of the Doobie Brothers lost his fight with cancer early this morning at his home, with his family at his side. The Doobie Brothers were at Ravinia in 2007, 2009, and 2011, but Michael was not in attendance last year as he had taken his leave from the band in 2010 due the decline in his health. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
“Mike has always been a part of my musical life and the life of the Doobie Brothers; from our earliest singles, like ‘China Grove’ and ‘Blackwater’ to our most recent single ‘Brighter Day. He was an incredible musician, a studio quality drummer. The last few years, he was brave and determined to keep on playing in the face of ill health, and I will always admire him for that. He was a terrific dad and family man, and we will all miss him.” – Tom Johnson, guitarist and vocalist of Doobie Brothers