The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers Headshot

Band

Members: Michael McDonald

Though they're famous as one of the most beloved soft rock bands from the '70s and '80s, the Doobie Brothers' image early on was surprisingly tough. After coming together in the early '70s in San Jose, California, the band became extremely popular amongst the Hell's Angels, and played regularly at biker hangouts like the Chateau Liberté in the Santa Cruz mountains.

The members of the group styled themselves in black leather to fit in with their fan base, but by the time they signed to Warner Bros. Records, they had left their motorcycle boots behind, opting for a softer look and a sound oriented around acoustic guitars and country flourishes for their 1971 self-titled debut. Their second album, Toulouse Street, continued this sound, spawning the hit single "Listen to the Music." Likewise, 1973's The Captain and Me featured hit songs like "China Grove" and "Long Train Runnin'."

They would take a distinct turn towards a more R&B oriented sound after bringing singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald on board for 1976's Takin' it to the Streets. Henceforth known as a blue eyed soul group, the Doobie Brothers would add synthesizers to the mix for records like 1977's Livin' on the Fault Line.

The group would undergo many lineup changes over the years, but it wasn't until Patrick Simmons left the band in 1981 that no original members of the group were left. The band disbanded at that point, but after they reunited in 1987 for a successful reunion tour, the band remained together, touring and releasing new albums such as 1989's Cycles and 2000's Sibling Rivalry.

Credits

The Doobie Brothers: 50th Anniversary at Radio City Music Hall

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2022

The Doobie Brothers Live From the Beacon Theatre

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2019

The Doobie Brothers Live From the Beacon Theatre

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Movie
2019

Music City Roots: Live From the Factory

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Show
2015

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream

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Talk
2014

The Doobie Brothers: South City Midnight Lady (from Rockin' Down The Highway: The Wildlife Concert)

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Live at the Greek Theater -- 1982 Farewell Tour

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Dangerous

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Excited

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Neal's Fandango

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Slow Burn

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (Live)

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: The Doctor (Live)

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: Wild Ride

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2013

The Doobie Brothers: World Gone Crazy

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2011

The Doobie Brothers: Nobody

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2010

The Better Show

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2007

The Doobie Brothers: Need a Little Taste of Love

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2007

The Doobie Brothers: The Doctor

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2007

The Doobie Brothers: Live At Wolf Trap

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2005

Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream

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Talk
2003

Rockin' Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert

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Show
1996

CBS News Sunday MorningStream

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News
1979

The Doobie Brothers: Minute by Minute

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1978

The Doobie Brothers: You Belong to Me

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1977

What's Happening!!Stream

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Series
1976

The Doobie Brothers: It Keeps You Runnin'

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1976

The Doobie Brothers: Takin' It to the Streets

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1976

Good Morning America

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News
1975

Saturday Night LiveStream

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Series
1975

The Doobie Brothers: Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)

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1975

The Doobie Brothers: Black Water

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1974

The Doobie Brothers: Black Water (Live)

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1974

The Doobie Brothers: China Grove

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1973

The Doobie Brothers: Without You

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1973

The Doobie Brothers: South City Midnight Lady

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1973

The Doobie Brothers: Long Train Runnin'

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1973

The Doobie Brothers: Clear As The Driven Snow

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1973

The Doobie Brothers: China Grove (Live)

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1973

The Doobie Brothers: Long Train Runnin' (Live)

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1973

Canada AM

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1972

The Doobie Brothers: Listen To The Music

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1972

The Doobie Brothers: Rockin' Down The Highway

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1972

The Doobie Brothers: Jesus Is Just Alright

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1972

The Doobie Brothers: Jesus Is Just Alright (Live)

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1972

The Doobie Brothers: Listen to the Music (Live)

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1972

The Doobie Brothers: Rockin' Down the Highway (Live)

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1972