Podcast Summary: "Takin' a Walk" – Classic Replay with Founding Member of The Doobie Brothers, Patrick Simmons (Oct 19, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this episode of "Takin' a Walk," host Buzz Knight is joined by Patrick Simmons, guitarist, vocalist, and founding member of the iconic rock band The Doobie Brothers. The conversation delves into Patrick’s musical journey, the origin of The Doobie Brothers, pivotal moments including lineup and stylistic changes, memorable collaborations, and the band's enduring legacy, culminating in reflections on their new album and impending tour.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Walking with Legends: Who Would Patrick Choose?

• Buzz’s Opening Question: If Patrick could take a walk with anyone, who would it be?
  • Patrick’s Answer (04:24): He’d choose Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter, emphasizing he’d be happy just standing and talking with them, not necessarily walking.
  • Quote: “Wherever they want to walk, that's where I'd be going.” (Patrick Simmons, 04:24)

The Formation of The Doobie Brothers

• San Jose Roots (04:59–08:43):
  • Patrick recounts his early days in San Jose, playing in local bands, and meeting future Doobies members at a club while performing with Skip Spence (Moby Grape, former Jefferson Airplane).
  • The fateful introduction by Skip Spence led to casual jam sessions with Tom Johnston and John Hartman.
  • Origin of the Band’s Name:
    • During a rehearsal session, a housemate quipped, “You guys smoke so much weed, you should call yourselves the Doobie Brothers.” The name stuck as a temporary joke for their first gig at the Chateau Liberté, but after a positive reception, they kept it.
    • Quote: “We don't even smoke pot anymore… everybody else I know does.” (Patrick Simmons, 09:51)

Early Band Dynamics and Name Contemplations

• Band Name (08:53–10:18):
  • The “Doobie Brothers” name persisted due to early success, despite initial misgivings and expectations they’d eventually change it. Warner Brothers liked the name, cementing it.
  • No alternate names were seriously considered.

Merging Worlds: Steely Dan, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Band Evolution

• First Encounters (10:25–13:09):

  • The Doobie Brothers began playing joint shows with Steely Dan, leading to a close friendship, especially with guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.
  • Patrick supported bringing Jeff into the studio (“South City Midnight Lady”) and later, frequent collaborations at live concerts.

• Officially Joining (13:19–15:01):

  • After Baxter left Steely Dan, Tyron Porter (bass) invited Jeff to join the Doobies, aligning with their admiration for the three-guitar sound exemplified by Moby Grape.
  • Patrick paints a picture of the band's vision: each guitarist brought a distinctive style—country/blues (Patrick), bebop (Jeff), and rock (Tom Johnston).

The Arrival of Michael McDonald and a New Chapter

• Initiation of Michael McDonald (15:01–16:43):
  • Jeff Baxter, drawing from his Steely Dan experience, recommended Michael McDonald when Tom Johnston took a leave.
  • Patrick initially thought McDonald would serve primarily as a background singer, but he was amazed by Michael’s vocal abilities, which lifted the band and introduced a new sound dimension.
  • Quote: “He brought us a wonderful element to the band… He more than took the weight off my shoulders, he took the spotlight, which was fine with me.” (Patrick Simmons, 16:25)

The Making of "Takin’ It to the Streets" and Producer Ted Templeman’s Impact

• Warner Brothers and Ted Templeman Connection (17:08–22:46):
  • Warner Brothers’ interest was sealed after a club performance, attended by Ted Templeman and Lenny Waronker.
  • Ted’s production vision proved crucial, shifting the band from Lenny’s initial approach to a more audience-connected sound.
  • The album "Takin' It to the Streets" marked a transition, with Michael McDonald becoming pivotal after Tom Johnston’s departure. The process required “a leap of faith” from all parties.
  • Patrick candidly shares industry skepticism at the time. A Warner Brothers promotion executive doubted the new direction but was soon replaced by someone more supportive after the album's success.
  • Quote: “When I heard Mike sing, I thought, well, this guy is a super talent and I think he can bring something new to the band… Luckily… we landed on our feet.” (Patrick Simmons, 21:39)

The Doobie Brothers Today: New Album and Tour

• 2025 Album and Tour Announcement (22:46–26:38):
  • The new album, "Walk This Road," features strong creative input from Patrick, Tom Johnston, and Michael McDonald.
  • The track “Walk This Road” (co-written by Michael and John Shanks) features a gospel-blues vibe. Mavis Staples provides guest vocals—“knocked my socks off,” Patrick beams (25:05).
  • This album is unique in its equal contribution from the three core members, marking a first in the band’s history.
  • Patrick notes the excitement and vulnerability of playing new material for audiences and the balance between satisfying new creative urges and delivering the classic hits that fans love.
  • Quote: “It's always fun to have new music, and I think our core audience appreciates that… the moments are probably the most fun or when you get to play some new music and you're a little off balance.” (Patrick Simmons, 26:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Doobies’ humble, weed-inspired naming: “We don't even smoke pot anymore… everybody else I know does.” (Patrick Simmons, 09:51)
• On Michael McDonald joining: “He more than took the weight off my shoulders, he took the spotlight, which was fine with me.” (Patrick Simmons, 16:25)
• On making "Takin' It to the Streets": “We had to make a change… It. It was a leap of faith on my part and a huge leap of faith for Ted and the label… Luckily, that guy got shown the door.” (Patrick Simmons, 20:00–21:00)
• On working with Mavis Staples: “Mavis is so fantastic… She knocked my socks off. See, I… Whoops, I have no socks on.” (Patrick Simmons, 25:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 04:24: Patrick’s dream walking companions (Obama, Carter)
• 04:59–08:43: Patrick’s entry into The Doobie Brothers; origin of the band’s name
• 10:25–15:01: Early days with Steely Dan and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter’s influence; the band’s three-guitar vision
• 15:01–16:43: Michael McDonald joins the band
• 17:08–22:46: Meeting Ted Templeman, securing Warner Bros. deal, changing band direction, “Takin’ It to the Streets”
• 22:46–26:38: Reflections on the 2025 album "Walk This Road", working with Mavis Staples, excitement for new tour and music

Conclusion

Patrick Simmons delivers a candid, richly detailed look at The Doobie Brothers’ history: from their formation, name origins, and evolving lineup, to major creative pivots and their enduring impact on rock music. Listeners gain insight into the chemistry that makes the band unique, the risks and relationships underlying career-defining moments, and a sense of excitement for their present and future through a new album and upcoming tour. Through Patrick’s warm storytelling and Buzz’s thoughtful prompting, this episode offers both nostalgia and anticipation for fans old and new.