Posted on 02/08/2005 6:30:08 PM PST by missyme
Keith Knudsen, a drummer for the Doobie Brothers since 1974, died of pneumonia Tuesday. He was 56.
Knudsen, who lived in Sonoma County's wine country, had been hospitalized for more than a month. He died at Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital at about 12:30 p.m., 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, who said he began drumming in eighth grade, joined the classic rock band in 1974 after he met Cohn, who told him the Doobies needed a drummer.
"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, who had a lengthy string of hits including "Black Water," "Minute By Minute," "What a Fool Believes" and "Taking it to the Streets," were known for incorporating gospel and jazz stylings into popular hit songs. They also were well-regarded for their live performances.
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."
Johnston said Knudsen had cancer in 1995.
"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.
Knudsen is survived by his wife of 16 years, Kate, and their daughter, Dayna Keyes.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are pending. Donations can be made to Knudsen's longtime favorite charity, the National Veterans Foundation.
Thanks ... that was a nicer time.
And a True Statement!
It's such a long time ago ... Allman Brothers were good. Christopher Cross - sailing ... - those were my sailing days ... Santanna ... Tina Turner when I was upset ... Billy Joel (too bad he's such a jerk), The Who, ELO and the list goes on.
a nice nostalgic break from reality.
Sorry to hear of his death.
Exactly who would of thought in those days we would see our world in the shape it is in today..
I spent my weekends buying all the latest Albums in the Record Department at Fedco!
That song brings me fond memories of my ex-wife, from before we were married.
Oh, wait, that was "South City Midnight Lady".
Still....both great songs.
Agreed.
Everytime I hear "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman" I think of a gal I used to work with. Her father was pure blood Porch Creek Indian.
E-bay is perfect for tracking down some old albums and due to they're rating system, people are very honest about the condition the albums are in. I have found many ones there, all exactly as described and most in superb shape.
I've always regretted not taking better care of the albums I've had over the course of time. All I have is a bunch of album covers with big black disc in them now (except for J. Geils "Bloodshot"). Actually.... I barely survived some of those old Jonestown type parties... unfortunately, the albums didn't.
Theirs was an era of classical Rock-n-Roll!
Aids?
I've had the great pleasure to be around Keith and the rest of his band-mates many times over the past few years. I know that he will be sorely missed by his many fans - for his inspirational music and talent , as well as mourned and remembered by his family and friends- for his quiet gentleness and sincere friendliness... as a person who hid his physical illness and discomfort behind a genuine smile when in the company of others- especially his fans.
I think, too, that like me, Keith's death will give many people the desire to look closer into his history and the understated musical legacy he leaves behind.
Long live Keith Knudsen
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