Mike Botts, 61; Drummer for 1970s Rock Band Bread

Mike Botts, 61, best-known as the drummer for the 1970s rock band Bread, died of cancer Dec. 9 at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

Botts, who also recorded and toured with Linda Ronstadt, Dan Fogelberg, Eddie Money, Tina Turner and others, grew up in Sacramento and began playing the drums in high school. He joined Bread in time to make the group's second album, "On the Waters."

With the dissolution of Bread in 1973, Botts became a session drummer and recorded and toured with Ronstadt. He rejoined Bread in 1977 for a one-album reunion and tour before resuming session playing.