Jump to content

The Doobie Brothers

From Alfawiki
The Doobie Brothers
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1970 in San Jose, California, U.S.
Headquarters
San Jose
,
United States
Key people
Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, John McFee
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

The Doobie Brothers are a renowned American rock ensemble that originated in San Jose, California in 1970. Celebrated for their genre-spanning adaptability and intricate vocal harmonies, the band has maintained activity for more than fifty years, achieving their highest commercial acclaim during the 1970s. The present roster features original members Tom Johnston (guitars, keyboards, vocals) and Patrick Simmons (guitars, banjo, vocals), along with Michael McDonald (keyboards, vocals) and John McFee (guitars, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, vocals), supported by additional touring personnel. Among notable former contributors are guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and drummers John Hartman and Michael Hossack.

From 1970 until 1975, Johnston fronted the band with a mainstream rock approach that fused elements of folk, country, and R&B. The addition of Michael McDonald in 1975 as keyboardist and co-lead vocalist brought a distinctive soul-inspired direction. After sharing lead vocals on the album Takin' It to the Streets, Johnston departed in 1977. The group underwent numerous personnel shifts before disbanding in 1982; during this period, Simmons was the only continuous member. The band reunited in 1987 with Johnston's return; McDonald resumed full-time involvement in 2019 following several guest appearances.

Over their career, The Doobie Brothers have issued sixteen studio albums, including six that reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart. Their 1978 release Minute by Minute held the number one position for five weeks and earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The track "What a Fool Believes", penned by McDonald and Kenny Loggins, garnered two Grammys, including Song of the Year. They achieved sixteen top-40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, featuring timeless tracks such as "Listen to the Music", "Long Train Runnin'", "China Grove", and "Black Water" which reached number one in 1974. Their music continues to receive extensive airplay on classic hits radio stations.

In addition to studio efforts, their discography includes six live albums and numerous greatest hits collections. The 1976 compilation Best of the Doobies attained diamond certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding ten million copies. The band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004 and later honored by induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Globally, they have sold over 40 million records.

Formation and early years

Drummer John Hartman arrived in California in 1969 with intentions to connect with Skip Spence of Moby Grape for a potential reunion project. Spence introduced Hartman to singer-songwriter and guitarist Tom Johnston, who together formed the foundational core of what evolved into The Doobie Brothers. Initially named "Pud," the group experimented with various lineups and musical styles around San Jose, primarily performing as a power trio featuring bassist Greg Murphy and occasionally incorporating a horn section.

In 1970, they expanded by adding singer-guitarist-songwriter Patrick Simmons along with bassist Dave Shogren. Simmons brought expertise as a skilled fingerstyle guitarist with prior band experience that complemented Johnston’s rhythmic R&B-inflected style. The name "Doobie Brothers" was suggested by their friend Keith Rosen as a nod to their audience's marijuana use; although initially intended as temporary, it ultimately became their permanent moniker.

Throughout 1970, The Doobie Brothers cultivated a loyal fanbase by performing extensively across Northern California, attracting local Hells Angels followers and securing steady engagements at Chateau Liberté in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their demos showcased fuzz-driven dual lead guitar work, three-part vocal harmonies, and Hartman’s dynamic drumming caught the attention of Warner Brothers' A&R representative Ted Templeman, resulting in a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records before the year's end.

Their early image embraced biker culture aesthetics—leather jackets and motorcycles—yet their April 1971 self-titled debut album diverged from this persona by focusing on acoustic guitars and country-inspired sounds. Despite not charting commercially, the single "Nobody" remained part of their live performances for many years and was later re-recorded for their 2010 release World Gone Crazy.

In 1971, Warner Bros. facilitated their first nationwide tour supporting Mother Earth during the "Mother Brothers Tour." The band briefly incorporated a second drummer: United States Navy veteran Michael Hossack. During recording sessions at Amigo Studios later that year, Shogren departed due to disagreements with producers and was succeeded by bassist Tiran Porter, while Hossack became a permanent member on drums. Porter's funk-influenced bass playing and baritone vocals enhanced the group's three-part harmony arrangements.

Their sophomore album Toulouse Street, released in July 1972 with hits like "Listen to the Music" and "Jesus Is Just Alright", marked their commercial breakthrough. Collaborations with manager Bruce Cohn, producer Ted Templeman, engineer Donn Landee, and pianist Bill Payne from Little Feat resulted in a refined yet diverse sound that solidified their market presence.

Hits from their 1973 album The Captain and Me included Johnston’s "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove." Simmons contributed compositions such as "South City Midnight Lady" alongside the heavier "Without You," which became a staple for extended live improvisations. That same year featured their performance on the premiere episode of Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

During sessions for What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974), Hossack exited due to exhaustion from touring; he was replaced by drummer-songwriter-vocalist Keith Knudsen. Both drummers’ performances are present on Vices. In 1974, guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter joined as a third lead guitarist after Steely Dan ceased touring; he had previously contributed pedal steel guitar parts on earlier albums.

Vices included the band's first number one single: Simmons’ "Black Water," which propelled the album to multi-platinum sales status. Other charting singles featured Johnston’s "Another Park, Another Sunday" and "Eyes of Silver." During this period, live performances often incorporated Stax Records' Memphis Horns; while some recordings were broadcast on programs like King Biscuit Flower Hour, no official releases emerged.

By late 1974, Johnston faced health challenges due to rigorous touring schedules; he missed an appearance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve that December. Their western-themed album Stampede (1975) delivered hits including a Motown cover "Take Me in Your Arms" alongside Simmons’ compositions "I Cheat the Hangman" and "Neal's Fandango." Slide guitarist Ry Cooder contributed to several tracks.

During the spring tour promoting Stampede, Johnston required urgent hospitalization for a bleeding ulcer. To fill his role live, Baxter recommended fellow Steely Dan alumnus singer-keyboardist Michael McDonald. Vocal duties were shared among Simmons, Knudsen, Porter, and McDonald while Simmons and Baxter handled lead guitar responsibilities.

Michael McDonald era

By 1976, the Doobie Brothers encountered a crucial crossroads as their main songwriter and vocalist, Tom Johnston, became unavailable. The band then sought creative input from Michael McDonald and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, which led to the release of Takin' It to the Streets. This album marked a transition away from their electric guitar-centric rock toward a smoother blend of rock and blue-eyed soul, highlighting keyboards, brass sections, and intricate rhythms. Baxter’s jazz-inspired guitar work combined with McDonald’s unique vocal style to define the group’s evolving sound. The record featured popular tracks such as the title song and "It Keeps You Runnin'". Bassist Tiran Porter contributed "For Someone Special," a homage to Johnston. Following this, a greatest hits compilation titled Best of the Doobies was issued, eventually achieving Diamond status with over 10 million copies sold.

The 1977 release Livin' on the Fault Line further honed this musical direction, cementing McDonald’s integral role. The album included renditions like Motown’s "Little Darling (I Need You)" and "Echoes of Love", co-written alongside Memphis Horns members Willie Mitchell and Earl Randle. Additionally, it featured "You Belong to Me", co-created by McDonald and Carly Simon. To support Fault Line, the band appeared on PBS’s Soundstage performing live. Baxter utilized an early Roland guitar synthesizer on multiple tracks.

Johnston’s participation waned due to health issues; he contributed one composition to Streets and provided vocals on another but was absent from Fault Line. He soon departed to pursue a solo career with limited success. During this period of change, former roadie Bobby LaKind joined as a backing vocalist and percussionist, initially adding percussion elements on Streets.

In early 1978, the group made a guest appearance as themselves on ABC’s sitcom What's Happening!!, delivering live performances of several songs with some post-production enhancements.

The band’s prominence increased significantly with 1978’s Minute by Minute, which spent five weeks at number one and dominated various radio formats. McDonald’s "What a Fool Believes", co-written with Kenny Loggins, became their second chart-topping single and earned the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The album secured Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group and received an Album of the Year nomination. Both "What a Fool Believes" and the title track were contenders for Song of the Year, with "What a Fool Believes" winning the award. Other notable songs included "Here to Love You", "Dependin' On You", "Steamer Lane Breakdown", and "How Do the Fools Survive?". Guest vocal contributions came from Nicolette Larson and former bandleader Johnston.

Despite its commercial triumphs, Minute by Minute also highlighted internal discord. Creative differences emerged between McDonald’s refined soul-rock approach and Baxter’s experimental guitar style. After this breakthrough album, Hartman, Baxter, and LaKind exited the group. Their final television performance as this lineup occurred on Saturday Night Live in January 1979; their concluding tour included dates in Japan.

To maintain their success, Simmons, Knudsen, McDonald, and Porter reassembled with new members: session drummer Chet McCracken replaced Hartman; John McFee joined handling guitar and strings; Cornelius Bumpus added vocals, keyboards, saxophone, and flute. This ensemble toured extensively throughout 1979, including performances at Madison Square Garden and Battery Park during No Nukes benefit concerts alongside artists such as Bonnie Raitt and Bruce Springsteen.

In 1980, LaKind returned full-time for their ninth studio project, One Step Closer. The album produced hits like its title track and the Top 10 single "Real Love" but did not replicate earlier chart dominance due to market saturation of the “McDonald sound” by contemporaries like Robbie Dupree. Critics observed a decline in creative energy, viewing the band increasingly as McDonald’s supporting musicians amid internal divisions between producer Ted Templeman/McDonald and Simmons/others. Porter left following recording sessions because of touring exhaustion and personal difficulties; session bassist Willie Weeks filled in for live performances.

During 1981 tours, session drummer Andy Newmark temporarily substituted for Knudsen during his rehabilitation period. By year-end, Simmons also departed. With no original members remaining and McDonald preparing for a solo path, rehearsals without Simmons led to disbandment. Simmons returned for a farewell tour in 1982 under the agreement it would be their final run. Their closing show at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre featured founding member Johnston rejoining onstage; former members Porter, Hossack, and Hartman also appeared for an extended finale. The live album Farewell Tour was released in 1983; the Greek Theatre concert was later issued as Live at the Greek Theatre 1982.

Reunion

The Doobie Brothers refrained from working together for five years, though members gathered annually to perform holiday shows at Stanford Children's Hospital. In 1983, Simmons released his solo album Arcade, which failed to achieve commercial success. During the mid-1980s, Johnston toured U.S. venues with Border Patrol, a group that included Hossack and briefly Simmons, but they did not produce any recordings. Around 1986, Johnston and Simmons initiated an album project that was soon discontinued.

In 1983, Knudsen and McFee launched Southern Pacific, which found success on the country charts with four albums; Stu Cook, formerly of Creedence Clearwater Revival, joined in 1986, followed by ex-Pablo Cruise guitarist David Jenkins in 1988. Wounded Bird Records reissued Simmons' Arcade on CD in 2007 and also manages the catalogs of Southern Pacific and Johnston.

After departing from the Doobies, McDonald pursued a solo career that dominated adult contemporary radio throughout the 1980s and later experienced a resurgence by performing Motown classics.

The band's reunion occurred unexpectedly. After overcoming his addiction issues, Knudsen became involved with the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation and in early 1987 arranged a benefit concert featuring eleven former Doobie members alongside producer Ted Templeman. This event expanded into a twelve-city tour beginning May 21, 1987, with tickets selling rapidly—including a Hollywood Bowl show that sold out quicker than any event since the Beatles. The enlarged lineup enabled intricate performances involving multiple drummers and guitarists, with Templeman adding percussion. The tour concluded with the July 4 "Peace Concert" in Moscow, where they shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, and Santana; Showtime later broadcast excerpts including "China Grove."

The positive reception to this reunion led to a permanent reformation mirroring the Toulouse Street/Captain and Me configuration: Johnston, Simmons, Hartman, Porter, Hossack, and LaKind. They released Cycles in 1989 under Capitol Records, which featured the Top 10 hit "The Doctor" with guest pianist Bill Payne. The album included Johnston's "South of the Border," Simmons' "Take Me to the Highway," a rendition of the Isley Brothers' "Need a Little Taste of Love," and a cover of the Four Tops' "One Chain (Don't Make No Prison)." Certified Gold, Cycles marked a successful comeback.

Bumpus joined the tours from 1989 to 1990 contributing vocals, keyboards, saxophone, and flute—bridging toward the McDonald era by leading on "One Step Closer." Additional touring musicians included Dale Ockerman (keyboards, guitar), Richard Bryant (percussion), and Jimi Fox (percussion). LaKind withdrew before touring due to a terminal colon cancer diagnosis.

The 1990s

Following the success of Cycles, the Doobie Brothers released Brotherhood in 1991 through Capitol Records. The band revived their early 1970s biker image; however, despite strong tracks like Simmons' "Dangerous"—featured in the movie Stone Cold—the album did not meet commercial expectations. By late 1991, Capitol dropped the band due to insufficient support.

The supporting tour—which included the 1989 lineup minus Bumpus and Joe Walsh—was among the ten least profitable tours of summer 1991 according to the North American Concert Promoters Association. After losing their Capitol contract, activity ceased by late 1991 leaving their future uncertain.

In October 1992, the 1987 lineup reunited for benefit concerts at the Concord Pavilion to aid LaKind’s children; LaKind performed percussion despite being terminally ill with colon cancer before passing away in December 1992. Following this period, Simmons worked on an unreleased project named Four Wheel Drive alongside John Cowan, Rusty Young, and Bill Lloyd.

By 1993, Hartman and Porter retired from touring while Knudsen and McFee returned after Southern Pacific disbanded. Along with Ockerman, Bumpus, and Weeks, they toured with Four Wheel Drive as opening act. After Weeks departed for session work and Bumpus joined Steely Dan, Danny Hull took his place. Chet McCracken temporarily substituted for an injured Hossack in July 1993. Their 1994 tour featured co-headlining dates with Foreigner.

In the mid-1990s, the band experimented with new arrangements and occasionally incorporated McDonald’s material—most notably reinstating "Takin' it to the Streets" featuring Simmons and new bassist Skylark (who joined in 1995) sharing lead vocals.

Resuming Continuous Touring

Since 1993, the Doobie Brothers have maintained an unbroken touring schedule. In 1995, they reunited with McDonald for a joint "Dreams Come True" tour alongside the Steve Miller Band, showcasing all three principal songwriters and representing different eras of their music. Bumpus returned for this tour; McCracken took over for Knudsen, and Bernie Chiaravalle substituted for McFee.

On January 28, 1996, the band performed at the Super Bowl XXX pre-game event in Tempe, Arizona. That same year, their double live album, Rockin' Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert, featured McDonald on three of their hallmark songs. McDonald continued to appear as a frequent guest at benefit and corporate events until he officially rejoined the group in 2019.

Midway through 1996, keyboardist Guy Allison (formerly of Moody Blues and Air Supply) replaced Ockerman. Early in 1998, saxophonist Marc Russo (ex-Yellowjackets) joined, taking over from Hull. In 1999, the band obtained a legal injunction to prevent a tribute ensemble comprising former members McCracken, Bumpus, and Shogren from using any version of the "Doobie Brothers" name.

The 2000s

In 1999, Rhino Records released the band’s inaugural box set, Long Train Runnin': 1970–2000, which included remastered tracks, a newly recorded studio version of "Little Bitty Pretty One," along with previously unreleased outtakes and live performances. The following year, Rhino issued Sibling Rivalry, marking their first studio album since 1991 and featuring a range of genres from rock to hip-hop and country influences. Despite its diversity, the album experienced poor sales amid a downturn in the adult-oriented rock market.

On June 22, 2001, drummer Hossack suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident and was temporarily replaced by M. B. Gordy, who continued as an auxiliary percussionist until 2005. During the summer tour of 2002, saxophonist Ed Wynne stood in for Marc Russo.

October 26, 2004 saw the release of Live at Wolf Trap, recorded at Wolf Trap National Park. This album represents drummer Keith Knudsen’s final recording before his passing in February 2005; Ed Toth from Vertical Horizon succeeded him thereafter.

The 2010s

In both 2010 and 2012, the Doobie Brothers toured once more with Chicago, renewing a collaboration that began in 1974.

That same year, Skylark departed due to suffering a stroke; John Cowan returned to fill the bassist role. Hossack missed the summer tour of 2010 after being diagnosed with cancer; Tony Pia from the Brian Setzer Orchestra stepped in and later became a full-time touring member following Hossack’s death in 2012.

Their thirteenth studio album, World Gone Crazy, produced by longtime associate Ted Templeman—their first joint production since 1980's One Step Closer—was released during this period. The lead single "Nobody" was made available for streaming on their official website.

By 2012, five former members had died: LaKind (1992), Shogren (1999), Bumpus (2004), Knudsen (2005), and Hossack (2012).

The official documentary Let the Music Play: The Story of the Doobie Brothers premiered in 2012, featuring interviews with founding members and management personnel.

In 2014, collaborating with Sony Music Nashville, they issued their fourteenth studio album Southbound, which included contributions from country artists such as Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, among others, with Michael McDonald returning for select collaborations. To promote this release, they performed at the CMA Awards alongside notable country musicians.

The following year saw appearances at Music City Roots and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with McDonald. Keyboardist Guy Allison temporarily left to tour Japan; Bill Payne from Little Feat substituted before officially replacing Allison in October while continuing his involvement with Little Feat. Later in 2015 and continuing into 2016, the band toured alongside Journey and Dave Mason as well as sharing stages with Steve Miller Band and Santana.

In 2016, under new management by Irving Azoff, Tony Pia exited the group, leaving Ed Toth as the sole drummer.

The Doobie Brothers once again toured with Chicago in 2017 and participated in Classic concerts alongside Eagles and Steely Dan at major venues including Dodger Stadium and Citi Field. Their European tour featured opening performances for Steely Dan.

Percussionist Marc Quiñones joined in 2018. That year they performed complete renditions of Toulouse Street and The Captain and Me at New York City's Beacon Theatre—the first time in a quarter-century—and these shows were recorded for a live album released in 2019.

During summer 2019, they toured with Santana and appeared at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium performing full albums again with McDonald joining them for an encore. Simmons confirmed McDonald’s return for their forthcoming 50th Anniversary tour.

Since the early 2000s, The Doobie Brothers have headlined numerous benefit concerts including events at former manager Bruce Cohn's B.R. Cohn Winery. After Cohn sold the winery in 2015 to concentrate on band management duties, the charity festival moved to Sonoma Valley as the Sonoma Music Festival where The Doobie Brothers headlined alongside McDonald, Chicago, and Ringo Starr.

The 2020s

On January 15, 2020, the Doobie Brothers were announced among six acts inducted into the 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Honored members included living contributors Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, John McFee, Tiran Porter, John Hartman, and Jeff Baxter, while drummers Keith Knudsen and Michael Hossack received posthumous recognition. Originally scheduled for May 2 in Cleveland, the induction ceremony was postponed until November 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was conducted virtually on HBO Max, featuring prerecorded addresses from Johnston, McDonald, and Simmons.

In February 2020, the group commenced an eight-night residency at The Venetian Las Vegas, but had to cancel five performances after Johnston contracted an early strain of COVID-19. On May 26, the band postponed their 50th Anniversary tour to 2021, confirming McDonald’s return after a 25-year absence.

During the 2020 lockdowns, they released remote renditions of classics such as "Black Water" and collaborated with Dave Mason and Peter Frampton on cover tracks. On August 6, 2021, a four-song EP was issued featuring compositions by Johnston and Simmons as a preview of their fifteenth studio album.

Following an 18-month pause from touring, the band launched their 50th Anniversary Tour at the Iowa State Fair on August 22, 2021. The initial leg concluded on October 29 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with the second leg beginning June 2, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Keyboardist Bill Payne exited after the first segment to concentrate on Little Feat, with McDonald reassuming primary keyboard responsibilities.

The Doobie Brothers appeared as musical guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 23, 2021. On October 29, they unveiled Liberté, their first album of original material in over a decade. Every track was co-written alongside producer John Shanks, noted for his collaborations with Bon Jovi and Sheryl Crow.

Original drummer John Hartman died on December 29, 2021; the band paid tribute to him in September 2022.

In 2023, Johnston, McDonald, and Simmons earned nominations for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The ongoing 50th Anniversary tour included shows in Australia and Japan during April before returning stateside. In May, Johnston announced surgery for severe back pain and was temporarily replaced by Simmons, McDonald, and bassist John Cowan, who shared lead vocal duties.

In June 2023, Simmons disclosed intentions to create new music with McDonald in the upcoming year.

That November, the band opened for the Eagles on their The Long Goodbye Tour, stepping in for Steely Dan due to Donald Fagen’s health concerns.

On November 17, 2023, they released the single "Lahaina," produced by John Shanks to benefit families impacted by the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. The song features Mick Fleetwood on drums and Jake Shimabukuro playing ukulele.

By 2024, Tom Johnston had fully recovered and rejoined the band as they continued their anniversary tour.

On June 6, 2025, the Doobie Brothers issued their newest album Walk This Road.

Members

Official current lineup

Touring personnel at present

  • John Cowan – bass guitar, lead and harmony vocals
  • Marc Russo – saxophone
  • Ed Toth – drums and percussion
  • Marc Quiñones – percussion and backing vocals

Discography

See also

  • Eikichi Yazawa, Japanese rock artist who has employed many members of the Doobie Brothers as his backing band

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=The_Doobie_Brothers&oldid=80050"