One Step Closer
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
The Doobie Brothers were one of the most popular Californian pop/rock bands of the 70s, providing mellow-post hippie music to the massive since their formation in 1969.
The band, named after a marijuana joint, formed after the collapse of country-rock band Pud. Previous band members, guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnstone and drummer John Hartman began jamming with guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren, eventually forming to perform as The Doobie Brothers. They played around Southern California, earning a large following aswell as a record deal with Warner Bros in 1971. The band’s debut followed, although had little success. Following this, Shogren was replaced by Tiran Porter and the group added a second drummer, Michael Hossack, for 1972’s ‘Toulouse Street’. This release became the group’s breakthrough, following a number of smash hit singles such as ‘China Road’ and ‘Long Train Runnin’
Keith Knudsen replaced Hossack as the group’s second drummer for 1974’s ‘What Were Onces Vices Are Now Habits’, which gave way to their first number one single; ‘Black Water’. Johnstone was hospitalized was replaced for the supporting tour by Michael McDonald. The next album ‘Stampede’ wasn’t as successful as its predecessors, and the band chose to revamp their light country-rock and boogie. This new sound was flaunted with their 1976 release ‘Takin It to the Streets’, showcasing a new funk and jazzy-pop sound. This new sound landed the band a platinum album, which lead them to release a best of album later that year.
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Johnstone departed the band to pursue a solo career, and following this The Doobies released their most successful album to date, ‘Minute by Minute’, which spent five weeks at number one in 1978. Hartman and Baxter left the group after the album's supporting tour, leaving The Doobie Brothers as McDonald's backing band. New members were hired, and the band landed themselves another platinum album ‘One Step Closer’.
The Doobie Brothers announced their split on their 1983 live album, ‘Farewell Tour’, however a 70’s reunion tour followed in the 90s.
The Doobie Brothers formed in 1969, with members Tom Johnston (vocals, guitar), John Hartman (drums), and Dave Shogren (bass); Patrick Simmons (vocals, guitar) joined in 1970. Tiran Porter replaced Shogren, 1971; Michael Hossack (drums) joined in 1971, replaced in 1973 by Keith Knudsen. Jeff Baxter (guitar) joined in 1974; Michael McDonald (keyboards, vocals, songwriting) joined in 1975.
Chet McCracken replaced Hartman, 1980; Cornelius Bumpus (horns) and John McFee (strings) joined, 1980. Group disbanded after "Farewell Tour," 1982; a reunited Doobie Brothers band was formed in 1987, including Simmons, Johnston, Hartman, Porter, and Hossack, with Bobby LaKind on percussion.
Group signed with Warner Bros., 1971, had first platinum album, Toulouse Street, and charted singles, "Listen to the Music" and "Jesus Is Just Alright," 1972. Reunited Doobie Brothers signed with Capitol Records, 1988, released album Cycles, 1989.
Awards: Named best rock group of the year, 1976, based on public voting for CBS-TV's "People's Command Performance"; Grammy Awards for record of the year, song of the year, best arrangement accompanying vocalists, and best pop vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus, all 1979, all for Minute by Minute.
Albums:
The Doobie Brothers, Warner Bros., 1971.
Toulose Street, Warner Bros., 1972.
The Captain and Me, Warner Bros., 1973.
What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, Warner Bros., 1974.
Stampede, Warner Bros., 1975.
Takin' It to the Streets, Warner Bros., 1976.
Livin' on the Fault Line, Warner Bros., 1977.
Minute by Minute, Warner Bros., 1978.
One Step Closer, Warner Bros., 1980.
Cycles, Warner Bros., 1989.
Brotherhood, Capitol, 1991.
Sibling Rivalry, Rhino, 2000.
World Gone Crazy, HOR Records, 2010.
Sources: Carly Page; Anne Janette Johnson
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
