The Doobie Brothers, The #59 Artist of the Rock Era, Part One

 "Will always be some of the best music ever recorded."

"These guys are so great."

"I love this band."

"One of the best groups of all-time."

"They are true legends."

"Classic Rock at its best."

"Brilliant music lasts forever."

"The Doobie Brothers were one awesome group that brought Rock and Soul together."

"Music of this quality is an emotional time machine."

"The Doobie Brothers are one of my favorite groups of all-time."



Another group from one of the Rock Era's greatest cities, the City by the Bay.  Two great periods featuring two distinct music styles combine to give us The #74 Artist!

When a reunion of the group Moby Grape fell through, Skip Spence of the group introduced drummer John Hartman to guitarist Tom Johnston.  Johnston and Hartman formed the group Pud and performed around the Bay Area.

In 1970, they attracted guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren, with the group now going by the name the Doobie Brothers.  The band played throughout Northern California, featured often at the Chateau Liberté in the mountains of Santa Cruz.  After recording a demo, the band landed a contract with Warner Brothers Records in 1971.

The Doobie Brothers released their self-titled album.  While touring, the group added another drummer, Michael Hossack. 

While working on their second album with new producer Ted Templeman, Shogren left, replaced by Tiran Porter, whom Simmons played with in the band Scratch.  Porter not only brought a funky bass, but his voice contributed to the group's three-part harmonies.

When finished, the album Toulouse Street represented the band's breakthrough that is to this day highly underrated.  Pianist Bill Payne of Little Feat played on the LP, something he would repeat for many years on Doobie Brothers albums. 

 

They scored their first, hit, although at #11 it is one of The Top Unknown/Underrated Songs of the Rock Era*--"Listen To The Music".

 "Jesus Is Just Alright" was a perfect song of the times and is another worthy song.

 Another track that received significant airplay was "Rockin' Down The Highway".

 

The title song is a Top Track* for all-time.

The group showed off its harmonies on this beautiful song--"White Sun".

We also want to feature another standout on this amazing album--"Mamalei".

  

In 1973, the group released the album The Captain and Me.   "Long Train Runnin' plowed up to #7 in the U.K. and #8 in the U.S. and Canada. 

 "Without You" is a favorite among Doobies fans and concert-goers. 

 Johnston gave us another great song on the album--"Natural Thing". 

 

This prime cut is not to be missed in any tribute to the group--"South City Midnight Lady".

 

While working on their next album, Hossack chose to leave the band, burned out on tours.  Keith Knudsen moved into the lineup, and the Doobies released the album What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits in 1974.   The Doobie Brothers' first single, "Another Park, Another Sunday", is yet another underrated song at #32.

 

The band scored a Top 10 album that has now sold over two million copies.  "Black Water" rose to #1 in the United States and #9 in Canada.

 

It was another Double Platinum album that reached #4.  The album also includes another amazing song, and perhaps Simmons' best songwriting effort.  Maria Muldaur lent guest vocals on "I Cheat The Hangman". 

 

We also want to feature this great cut: "Song To See Me Through". Meanwhile, Steely Dan had ceased to perform live, and lead guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, who had already played on previous Doobie Brothers albums The Captain and Me and Vices, joined the group as a third lead guitarist.

Johnston's health, however, began to go downhill.  He began to miss performances, but helped the group finish the 1975 album Stampede.  Stampede also peaked at #4 on the Album chart and was certified Gold.

 Hidden on the album is this great rocker--"Neal's Fandango". 

There is much to this legendary group's story--be sure to catch Part Two!