Few American rock bands have had the cultural impact and long-lasting legacy of The Doobie Brothers. Formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, the band blended rock, folk, soul, blues, and later R&B to create a timeless sound that still draws massive crowds today.
Over 50 years later, many fans still ask:
What happened to the original members of the Doobie Brothers?
Here is the complete story of the founding lineup, their evolution, their personal journeys, and where they ended up.
✅ 1. Tom Johnston – Founder, Lead Vocalist, Guitarist
Years Active: 1970–1977, 1987–2024
Tom Johnston was one of the main architects of the Doobie Brothers’ early sound. His gritty vocals and high-energy guitar riffs powered hits such as:
China Grove
Long Train Runnin’
Listen to the Music
In 1975–76, Johnston suffered serious health problems, including stomach ulcers, which forced him to step back from touring. This led Michael McDonald to join, shifting the band’s musical direction.
✅ Where is he now?
Tom Johnston continued performing with the Doobie Brothers for decades until retiring from touring in 2024 due to chronic back issues. He remains active in songwriting and occasionally appears at special events.
Johnston is widely celebrated as one of rock’s most influential rhythm guitarists.
✅ 2. Patrick Simmons – Co-Founder, Guitarist, Vocalist
Years Active: 1970–present
Patrick Simmons is the only member who has never left the Doobie Brothers since its founding. His smooth, folk-influenced style balanced Johnston’s rock edge. He wrote and sang the band’s massive hit:
Black Water (their first #1 single)
✅ Where is he now?
Simmons is still performing with the Doobie Brothers and remains the band’s longest-running cornerstone. At over 70 years old, he continues touring, writing music, and collaborating with younger artists.
✅ 3. John Hartman – Drummer, Founding Member
Years Active: 1970–1979, 1987–1992
Died: 2021
John Hartman was the band’s original drummer and helped create their signature dual-drummer style. His powerful, tight percussion defined early hits and helped shape the band’s distinctive live sound.
✅ What became of him?
Hartman left the band in 1979 during internal tensions and rejoined in the late ‘80s for reunion tours. After retiring from music, he lived a quiet life in the U.S.
He passed away in September 2021 at age 72.
✅ 4. Michael Hossack – Drummer
Years Active: 1971–1973, 1987–2010
Died: 2012
Hossack joined shortly after the band formed and played alongside Hartman, pioneering the band’s dual drummer approach. He appeared on iconic albums including Toulouse Street and The Captain and Me.
✅ What became of him?
Hossack rejoined the band for their 1987 reunion and continued performing for over 20 years until he became ill.
He died in 2012 at age 65 after a battle with cancer.
✅ 5. Tiran Porter – Bassist, Vocalist
Years Active: 1971–1980, 1987–1992
Tiran Porter is remembered for his melodic bass lines and smooth vocal contributions. He was central to hits like:
Rockin’ Down the Highway
Without You
✅ Where is he now?
Porter left the band due to creative differences and pursued solo music projects, including his own records. He now lives a low-profile life in California, occasionally performing locally.
✅ 6. “Skunk” Baxter – Guitarist
Years Active with Doobie Brothers: 1972–1979
While not part of the very first trio, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter was among the earliest additions and one of the most influential musicians to join. He was previously with Steely Dan before adding jazz-rock depth to the Doobies’ sound.
✅ Where is he now?
Baxter left in 1979 and reinvented himself as a security and missile-defense consultant for the U.S. government — a surprising career change. He is still active in music and military advisory work.
✅ 7. Bobby LaKind – Percussionist
Years Active: Late 1970s–1982
Died: 1992
Originally a roadie, LaKind eventually joined the band as a percussionist and contributed during their late ‘70s period.
✅ What became of him?
He battled terminal illness and passed away in 1992 at age 47.
✅ 8. Michael McDonald – Not an original member, but transformed the band
Joined in 1975, Michael McDonald isn’t an original founder but is essential to the band’s history. His blue-eyed soul vocals shifted the group from rock to R&B-influenced pop.
✅ Where is he now?
Still touring, recording, and occasionally joining Doobie Brothers reunion concerts.
✅ Where Are They Now? Summary
MemberRoleStatus TodayTom JohnstonFounder, guitar/vocalsRetired from touring (2024)Patrick SimmonsFounder, guitar/vocalsStill active with bandJohn HartmanDrummerPassed away 2021Michael HossackDrummerPassed away 2012Tiran PorterBassistRetired from touring, occasional performancesSkunk BaxterGuitaristMusician + defense consultantBobby LaKindPercussionistPassed away 1992Michael McDonaldLater memberStill active
✅ Conclusion: A Legacy That Still Lives On
More than 50 years after their formation, The Doobie Brothers continue to tour, make music, and influence generations of rock and soul musicians.
Despite deaths, retirements, breakups, and reunions, the Doobie Brothers remain one of the few bands from the early 1970s that are still active, still relevant, and still filling stadiums.
Their legacy lives in:
✅ rock & roll history
✅ timeless hits
✅ a loyal global fanbase
✅ and a lineup that continues evolving while honoring the original members.
