History of the Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers released their second effort Toulouse Street in 1972. This time the album led the band to its breakthrough success. Two singles from the album became hits: “Listen to the Music” (at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “Jesus Is Just Alright” (at #35), both of which would become rock staples.Toulouse Street reached its peak position at #21 on the Billboard 200 album chart, earning the band their first platinum disc. A string of smashes for the group would eventually follow.

The Doobie Brothers released their third album The Captain and Me in 1973. It gave the group their first-ever Top 10 pop hit “Long Train Running,” which reached #8. Another single “China Grove” topped off at #15. The album earned a double platinum certification.

Another change of lineup occurred when Ketih Knudsen replaced Hossack (who suddenly quit because he got tired of the constant touring) as the group’s new second drummer in time for the group’s next album What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. Eventually released in February 1974, it became the group’s first Top 10 album on the Billboard 200. The album spawned its first #1 hit, the roots-rock track “Black Water,” which would become one of the group’s signature tunes. It also spawned another Top 40 smash “Another Park, Another Sunday” (at #32).What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits also featured prominent contributions from guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter of Steely Dan; Baxter would eventually join the Doobie Brothers as their third guitarist in 1975.

The group was still touring on a packed schedule, and because of the intense rigors brought by it, Johnston fell seriously ill and begged off from any of the band’s future commitments. He was replaced by another keyboardist Michael McDonald, also formerly of Steely Dan.

Stampede, the band’s fifth album, was released in 1975. The album witnessed the band branching out their eclectic elements. It featured contributions from other respectable artists such as Curtis Mayfield. Stampede peaked at #4, and it produced the danceable tune “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)” which was a slight nod to the emerging disco genre. It peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 that same year.

Still the band saw Stampede as less commercially successful compared to its predecessors. With the absence of Johnston (the band’s primary songwriter) McDonald and Baxter stepped up to do the songwriting chores. Simmons had already been providing much material to the group.

Members

Present official members

• Patrick Simmons – guitar, banjo, flute, vocals (1970–82, 1987–91, 1992, 1993–present)
• Tom Johnston – vocals, guitar, harmonica (1970–77, 1987–91, 1992, 1993–present)
• Michael McDonald – vocals, keyboards, mandolin, accordion (1975–82, 1987, 1992, 1995–96, 2019–present)
• John McFee – guitar, violin, pedal steel guitar, harmonica, vocals (1979–82, 1987, 1993–present)

Present touring members

• John Cowan – bass, lead and backing vocals (1993–95, 2010–present)
• Marc Russo – saxophones (1998–present)
• Ed Toth – drums, percussion (2005–present)
• Marc Quiñones – percussion, backing vocals (2018–present)

Interesting Facts

The Doobie Brothers are known for the following interesting facts:

• In an interview with Pat Simmons, it was stated that during the band’s early years, Keith “Dyno” Rosen, a fellow musician, suggested the name “The Doobie Brothers” since the members were frequently indulging in herbal pleasures.
• The Doobie Brothers’ self-titled debut album was released in 1971. It just took 10 days to record and only $15,000 to produce.
• Although the band’s lineup has changed several times over the years, original members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons are still involved in its day-to-day operations.
• The Doobie Brothers have a reputation for doing good deeds and have lent their support to a variety of organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, Farm Aid, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Forrest Gump, Dazed and Confused, and “The Sopranos” are just a few of the films, TV series, and advertisements that have included The Doobie Brothers’ music, which is still widely used today.
• When Michael McDonald joined the Doobie Brothers in 1975, the band’s sound was forever changed by his unique vocal and piano playing.
• The Doobie Brothers have received four Grammy Awards, including one for “What a Fool Believes” in 1979 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
• One of the best-selling bands of all time, the group has sold more than 40 million records worldwide.
• Both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame inducted the Doobie Brothers in 2004 and 2020, respectively.

From guitar-based rock to blue-eyed soul approach