The Doobie Brothers Look Back on 50 Years of Music

With 53 years under their belt since their first hit single, the Doobie Brothers are making a return with their 16th studio album, Walk This Road. They are set to embark on a 20-date tour this summer alongside the Coral Reefer Band, starting on August 4 in Detroit.

Having been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, the band’s accolades continue to grow as they will also be honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 12, alongside notable names such as George Clinton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ashley Gorley, Tony Macaulay, and Mike Love.

From the streets to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Doobie Brothers have come a long way from their early days as a crunchy country-rock band to their more recent smooth R&B/pop sound. Over the decades, they have produced chart-topping hits like “China Grove” and “Black Water” in the early 1970s and “Takin’ It to the Streets” and “What a Fool Believes” in later years. One of their standout albums, Minute by Minute, released in 1978, featuring the hit single “What a Fool Believes,” secured them three Grammy Awards in 1980.

In the 1970s, partying was a common theme among bands, and the Doobie Brothers were no exception. Johnston, a key member of the band, faced personal struggles with addiction to cocaine and alcohol. His health deteriorated due to an ulcer condition, prompting him to depart from the band in 1975.

The Doobie Brothers have seen their fair share of challenges and triumphs throughout their 50-year career. Their music has resonated with audiences across generations and genres, solidifying their place in music history as one of the most enduring rock bands of all time. As they gear up for their latest album and tour, fans can look forward to experiencing the timeless sound and energy that the Doobie Brothers bring to the stage.