John Hartman Obituary, Funeral

John Hartman was a co-founder and original drummer of the Doobie Brothers.

Born on March 18, 1950 in Falls Church, Virginia, Hartman formed the Doobie Brothers with singer and guitarist Tom Johnston in 1970 in San Jose, California.

A year later, the band added a second drummer, Michael Hossack (then replaced by Keith Knudsen in 1973), and the two-drummer formation remained until 2016 when Ed Toth became the band’s sole drummer.

Hartman played on all of the Doobie Brothers’ hits in the 1970s.

He also played on the 1989 reunion album Cycles and 1991’s Brotherhood.

Hartman retired from the band in 1992 but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as part of the Doobie Brothers in 2020.

On Sept. 22, 2022 the band announced via their social media platforms that he had passed away.

The Dobbies wrote;

“Today we are thinking of John Hartman, or Little John to us.”

“John was a wild spirit, great drummer, and showman during his time in the Doobies. He was also a close friend for many years and an intricate part of the band personality! We send our condolences to all his loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace John.”

Hartman kept his personal life under the wraps so it is not known whether he had a wife or children.

Details regarding his funeral are yet to be released.