Chet McCracken

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.

Chet McCracken
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.
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • drummer
  • songwriter
  • recording engineer
Instrument(s)
  • Drums
  • percussion
  • vibraphone
  • marimba
Years active1972–2022
Formerly ofThe Doobie Brothers

Biography

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.

In 1999 McCracken was part of a Doobie Brothers tribute band with fellow former members Cornelius Bumpus and Dave Shogren. 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
  • Flight to Moscow – 1990
  • Partners – 1991 (featuring Chris Pinnick)
  • After the Rain – 1994
  • Tequila – 1996 (featuring Sam Riney)

References
  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 Eugene McCracken Obituary". Echovita. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
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