 Formed in San Jose, Calif. in 1969, the post-hippie rock band the Doobie Brothers had a string of hits during the '70s, returning in the late '80s to become a permanent fixture on the oldies circuit. The group took their name from a time when members Tom Johnson (vocals/guitar), Patrick Simmons (guitar), John Shogren (bass), and John Hatman (drums) shared a joint, proclaiming themselves "Doobie Brothers." Within a year the country-rock outfit became popular in California, especially among bikers, and soon had a deal with Warner Bros. Their self-titled 1971 debut failed to capture public attention; Shogren was replaced with bassist Tiran Porter, and the band added a second drummer, Michael Hossack. After Hossack was replaced by Keith Knudsen and ex-Steely Dan guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter joined as an unofficial member, the group returned with 1974's What Once Were Vices Now Are Habits, another big seller. Thanks to the No. 1 single "Black Water," the group became one of the top touring acts of the mid-'70s. 1976's Takin' It To The Streets showcased the Doobie's new sound, formulated by the ex-Steely Dan members, who were now official Brothers. After releasing a "greatest hits" compilation, the group returned in 1977 with Livin' on the Fault Line. Johnston quit the band to pursue an unsuccessful solo career, while the remaining Doobies released their biggest album to date, 1979's Minute By Minute, which spawned the No. 1 single "What a Fool Believes." After Hartman and Baxter quit the band, McDonald recruited new backing musicians for 1980's One Step Closer, which went platinum on the success of the Top 10 hit "Real Love." After McCracken left he band, McDonald announced the Doobies were breaking up, and launched a farewell tour in 1982, which was immortalized in a 1983 live album. During the mid-'80s several ex-Doobies pursued solo careers, but the band reunited in 1987 for a Hollywood Bowl concert that quickly turned into a full-fledged reunion tour. By 1989 the Doobies were back in the studio, recording Cycles for Capitol Records, which went gold. A bastardized version of the original lineup toured the U.S. into the mid-'90s, playing municipal events and "dinosaur" package tours; McDonald rejoined in 1995.
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