Compiled by Jeff Westcott, SSWDA Registrar/Genealogist
Keith Knudsen, drummer and backing vocalist with the Doobie Brothers
Keith Knudsen (February 18, 1948 – February 8, 2005), who was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers in 2020, was a descendant of Stukely and Juliana Westcott in the 14th generation: Keith14 Knudsen, Charles13, Vera12 Pierce, Albert11, Elizabeth10 Burdick, Thomas9, Thompson8, Patience7 Bliven, John6, Freelove5 Barker, Freelove4 Bliss, Damaris3 Arnold, Damaris2, Stukely1 Westcott.
Keith Knudsen was the longtime Doobie Brothers drummer and a backing vocalist who was part of the band during a string of hits that included “Taking It to the Streets” and “Black Water.” Knudsen began drumming in eighth grade and joined the Doobie Brothers in 1974. After a week’s rehearsal, he went on the road with the band.
The Doobies were known for incorporating gospel and jazz stylings into popular hit songs. They also were well-regarded for their live performances. Their other hits included “China Grove” and “Jesus Is Just Alright.” Knudsen played with the Doobies until the band’s 1982 farewell tour.
During the band’s hiatus, Knudsen and bandmate John McFee formed the country rock group Southern Pacific, which released four albums and had several hits. He rejoined the band full-time in 1993. He battled cancer in 1995 and it left him weak, and he never fully regained all his strength. He was hospitalized for pneumonia at the time of his death.
See also Keith Knudsen’s FindaGrave memorial and his Wikipedia profile.