Michael Hossack | Doobies drummer, 65

Michael Hossack, 65, a Doobie Brothers drummer whose work is heard on the hits "Listen to the Music" and "China Grove," died of cancer Monday at his home in Dubois, Wyo., manager Bruce Cohn said in a statement.

Mr. Hossack played with the group from 1971 to 1973 and rejoined in 1987. He stopped playing with the band two years ago due to health problems.

"Mike has always been a part of my musical life and the life of the Doobie Brothers," said band cofounder Tom Johnston. "He was an incredible musician."

Mr. Hossack, a native of Paterson, N.J., played in various drum and bugle corps as a youngster. He said that the experience prepared him for playing in a two-drummer group such as the Doobie Brothers.

Cohn quoted him as saying: " 'People always ask me of it's hard to play with another drummer. I tell them that after playing along with up to 12 other drummers at once in the drum corps, this is a snap!' "

After leaving the Doobie Brothers in 1973, Mr. Hossack played with two other bands - Bonaroo and DFK - and was a partner at a Southern California recording studio.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

- AP