The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers maintained their relevance and popularity for over five decades by adapting their sound from Southern rock and blues to a commercially successful soft rock style, earning multiple Grammy Awards and global recognition. After signing with Warner Brothers Records in late 1970, The Doobie Brothers released their breakthrough sophomore album ‘Toulouse Street’ in 1972. Produced by Ted Templeman, ‘Toulouse Street’ featured hit tracks like ‘Listen to the Music,’ ‘Jesus Is Just Alright,’ and ‘Rockin’ Down the Highway.’ Original members included vocalist-guitarist Tom Johnston, drummer John Hartman, bassist Dave Shogren, and guitarist Patrick Simmons. Expanding their lineup with bassist Tiran Porter and drummer Michael Hossack, the band followed with ‘The Captain and Me’ in 1973, achieving double-platinum sales and producing Billboard Hot 100 hits ‘Long Train Runnin” (number 8) and ‘China Grove’ (number 15).

The band’s fourth album, ‘What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits’ (1974), yielded their first number-one hit, Patrick Simmons’ ‘Black Water,’ in 1975. Michael Hossack was replaced by Keith Knudsen, and Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter joined. In 1975, vocalist-keyboardist Michael McDonald’s arrival marked a significant evolution, shifting the band’s sound towards soft rock and blue-eyed soul. The 1976 album ‘Takin’ It to the Streets’ showcased this new direction, featuring the hit title track and ‘It Keeps You Runnin’.’ Their 1978 album, ‘Minute by Minute,’ became a chart-topping success, propelled by the title track and their second number-one hit, ‘What a Fool Believes,’ co-written by McDonald and Kenny Loggins.

Most recently, the band was nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023 and released the new single ‘Lahaina’ in 2023, with proceeds benefiting Hawaii wildfires. Looking ahead, The Doobie Brothers are set to release their new album, ‘Walk This Road,’ in 2025, the same year they will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.