Former drummer and co-founding member of the Doobie Brothers, John Hartman died at the age of 72.

The news was confirmed by the Doobie Brothers on their official social media accounts on Thursday.

“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,” his former bandmates wrote.

They did not specify the date of his death.

Hartman formed the Doobie Brothers with singer and guitarist Tom Johnston in 1970 in San Jose, California.

At the band’s inception, Hartman was the sole drummer.

He played on all of the Doobie Brothers’ major hits of the 1970s with both Johnston and Michael McDonald. He left the rock band early in 1979.

Hartman was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Doobie Brothers in 2020.

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