Chet McCracken
Chet McCracken | |
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 McCracken with the Doobie Brothers in 1981. | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Chester Eugene McCracken September 20, 1946 Tacoma, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 2022 (aged 75) West Hills, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1972–2022 |
| Formerly of |
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Spouse | |
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.
Career
McCracken's professional career began in 1969 as a member of the band Evergreen Blueshoes. They released one album. He was then a member of the psychadelic trio Help, releasing two albums. He toured with singer/songwriter Danny O'Keefe in 1972 and Rare Earth in 1975.[2] As a session musician, he recorded with America, Snail, Hank Williams Jr., Helen Reddy, Amy Holland, Eikichi Yazawa, Stevie Nicks, Rita Coolidge, Joe Walsh, Tina Turner, Pat Boone, and many others.[3]
In 1979, McCracken joined the Doobie Brothers replacing original drummer John Hartman.[4] He remained in the band until their first hiatus in 1982. In the following years, he performed with the band in 1987 for their brief 12-city reunion tour benefiting the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation, organized by former Doobie Brothers bandmate Keith Knudsen.[5] He also filled in for drummer Michael Hossack after he suffered an injury in July 1993. Additionally, he joined the Doobie Brothers on their 1995 "Dreams Come True" tour, co-headlining with the Steve Miller Band.
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]
Personal life
On December 6, 1968, McCracken married actress Deborah Walley. They divorced in 1975.
McCracken died on February 11, 2022, in West Hills, California.[7]
Solo Discography
- Flight to Moscow – 1990
- Partners – 1991 (featuring Chris Pinnick)
- After the Rain – 1994
- Tequila – 1996 (featuring Sam Riney)
References
- ↑ "GRAMMY.COM". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ↑ Metason. "Chet McCracken". ArtistInfo. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ↑ "Chet McCracken". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
- ↑ Nan, Isa (2022-10-30). "The Doobie Brothers: Merging Two Distinct Eras Into One". The Riff. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ↑ Hunt, Dennis (1987-05-23). "A HARMONIOUS REUNION FOR DOOBIE BROTHERS". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ↑ "Doobie Brothers Win Round Against Ex-Members". 2 September 1999.
- ↑ Chester McCracken Obituary - Sherman Oaks, CA Neptune Society