Doobie Brothers

From Wind Repertory Project
Doobie Brothers

Biography

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band. The group has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide throughout their career. The band has been active in five decades, with their biggest success occurring in the 1970s.

Drummer John Hartman arrived in California in 1969 determined to meet Skip Spence of Moby Grape. Spence introduced Hartman to singer, guitarist, and songwriter Tom Johnston and the two proceeded to form the nucleus of what would become the Doobie Brothers. Johnston and Hartman called their fledgling group "Pud" and experimented with lineups (occasionally including Spence) and styles as they performed in and around San Jose. They were mostly a power trio (along with bassist Greg Murphy) but briefly worked with a horn section. In 1970, they teamed up with singer, guitarist, and songwriter Patrick Simmons and bass guitarist Dave Shogren.

The Doobie Brothers improved their playing by performing live all over Northern California in 1970. They attracted a particularly strong following among local chapters of the Hells Angels.

Their second album, Toulouse Street (which spawned the hits and classic rock staples, Listen to the Music, and Jesus Is Just Alright), brought the band their breakthrough success after its release in July 1972. A string of hits followed.

The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.

As of 2016, the band continued to tour regularly. They remain popular among audiences, including young fans in their teens and twenties.


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