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Chet McCracken

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Chet McCracken
McCracken with The Doobie Brothers in 1981.
McCracken with The Doobie Brothers in 1981.
Background information
Birth nameChester Eugene McCracken
Born(1946-09-20)September 20, 1946
Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
DiedFebruary 11, 2022(2022-02-11) (aged 75)
West Hills, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Musician
  • drummer
  • songwriter
  • recording engineer
Instruments
  • Drums
  • percussion
  • vibraphone
  • marimba
Years active1972–2022
Formerly ofThe Doobie Brothers

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. In 1981, his song "South Bay Strut" (from the album One Step Closer) was nominated for a Grammy at the 23rd Annual Grammy Awards.[1] Also a recording studio owner, he was a recording engineer who was experienced in mixing and mastering records.

Biography

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

McCracken was the drummer for Danny O'Keefe in 1972. As a session drummer he recorded with Stevie Nicks, America, Rita Coolidge, Hank Williams Jr., Tommy Tutone, Joe Walsh, Michael McDonald, Pat Boone, Jim Messina, Jackie DeShannon, Eric Carmen, and many others.[2] He was also the drummer on Rare Earth's tour in 1975.[3]

In 1979, McCracken joined the Doobie Brothers when he replaced original drummer John Hartman.[4] He remained in the Doobie Brothers until their first hiatus in 1982. In the following years, he performed with the Doobie Brothers in 1987 for their brief 12-city reunion tour, organized by former Doobie Brothers bandmate Keith Knudsen, benefiting the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation.[5] He also filled in for Michael Hossack 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 Steve Miller Band.[citation needed]

In 1999 McCracken was part of a Doobie Brothers tribute band with fellow former members Cornelius Bumpus and Dave Shogren. This tribute band included Billy Martin (keyboards/vocals), Allen Carman (bass/vocals) and Todd Plant (lead vocals). Chris Pinnick (former guitarist of Chicago) was also added at a later date. The Doobie Brothers obtained an injunction preventing this band from performing under any variation of the "Doobie Brothers" name.[6]

McCracken died on February 11, 2022, in West Hills, California.[7]

Solo Discography

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  • Flight to Moscow – 1990
  • Partners – 1991 (featuring Chris Pinnick)
  • After the Rain – 1994
  • Tequila – 1996 (featuring Sam Riney)

References

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  1. ^ "GRAMMY.COM". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  2. ^ "Chet McCracken". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  3. ^ Metason. "Chet McCracken". ArtistInfo. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  4. ^ Nan, Isa (2022-10-30). "The Doobie Brothers: Merging Two Distinct Eras Into One". The Riff. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  5. ^ Hunt, Dennis (1987-05-23). "A HARMONIOUS REUNION FOR DOOBIE BROTHERS". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
  6. ^ "Doobie Brothers Win Round Against Ex-Members".
  7. ^ Chester McCracken Obituary - Sherman Oaks, CA Neptune Society