Songwriters' Reflections: Insights into the Process by The Doobie Brothers

Ready to hop on the "Long Train Runnin'" once more? It's been almost six decades for the Doobie Brothers, and they've shipped out for another summer tour. You can bet your bottom dollar they're giving it their best shot, even with hits they've played countless times.

The story began back in '73, when the band's co-founder, Tom Johnston, scribbled down the words for a groove they'd been messing around with in bars and clubs for years.

In the neighborhood Just a stone's throw away See those long trains comin' Movin' on their way Without affection Where would you be now? (Without l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ve)

Wondering how long it took him to pen those words? According to Johnston himself, it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies—it was about 20 minutes in the bathroom, using the tiles as makeshift backing vocals[1].

When it comes to the Doobie Brothers' songwriting, there's no denying it's a combination of technique, theory, and straight-up serendipity[3]. As Michael McDonald shared with "Sunday Morning," the band's hit "Takin' It to the Streets" took some painstaking work to create, but as Patrick Simmons (who penned the band's first number-one hit, "Black Water") said, " accidents happened," and sometimes, things just fall into place[1].

Fast forward to this week, and the trio of Johnston, McDonald, and Simmons is getting inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. With millions of albums sold and hits like "Long Train Runnin'" and "Takin' It to the Streets" under their belt, it's easy to see why they're being honored[4].

Take it from John McFee, who's been with the band for over three decades: "There's a reason for the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. I'm a writer, and I've had songs nominated for Grammys. I'm a member of the band. I'm not included in the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction. That's how good these guys are!"

Joining the likes of Lennon & McCartney, John & Taupin, and Holland-Dozier-Holland, the Doobie members seem overwhelmed by the recognition[4]. "I think we all feel honored by it," said Johnston. "When we started doing this many years ago, nobody was thinking about anything like that."

So, does all this recognition matter to the Doobie Brothers? According to McDonald, "To be in the company of those people is what matters. To think that you would ever, you know, be counted among them in any category is just too much to wish for."

Remembered from a humble abode on 12th Street in San Jose, California, Simmons and Johnston were just trying to make ends meet back in the day[1]. They honed their hard-hitting Southern rock sound at biker joints like the Chateau Liberté, a far cry from the stardom they'd eventually achieve.

When Johnston left the band in the late '70s, and McDonald joined, they softened the sound with a more mellow feel that catapulted the band to multi-platinum success with the album "Minute By Minute" in 1978[1]. Changes in personnel, sound, and style may have created tensions among some members in their younger years, but a historic 50th anniversary tour in 2021 brought them back together stronger than ever[1].

As Simmons put it, "Michael came to do a few shows with us, and stuck around!" When I asked if things were as harmonious as ever between them, Simmons laughed, "I think they said they were getting along in age or something!"

The band's continued success has even led to a new studio album, "Walk This Road," and an unprecedented recording session in which Simmons, Johnston, and McDonald all collaborated together[4]. As McDonald said, "Originally it was kind of like, 'Hey, you guys are doing this first album together in a long time. You've been together over the years, 50 years. And you've walked this road together, you know? Let's write a song about that.'"

With lyrics like "we've all made mistakes, we all have things we wish we'd made different choices," the band is addressing themes of redemption, unity, and cohesion. themes that are not just catchy, but worthy of hall-of-fame recognition.

Reflecting on their journey, McDonald added, "We're all walking down the same road. Just by virtue of that, you know? And we're gonna have to learn to get along with each other and listen to each other, you know?"

Simmons, now 76, concluded, "This could be the start of something really great!"

Can't help but chuckle at these seasoned rockers pondering over half a century together. When asked how long they'd keep it up, McDonald said, "That's anybody's guess."

"We're a Seventies band in a whole different sense now!" laughed McFee.

To listen to the title track "Walk This Road" by the Doobie Brothers (featuring Mavis Staples), click on the video player below:

For more details:

"Walk This Road" by the Doobie Brothers (Warner Bros./Rhino)"
"The Doobie Brothers (Official site)" | "Tour info"
"Songwriters Hall of Fame"

This story was produced by Gabriel Falcon. Editing by Joseph Frandino.

Also check out:

"The Doobie Brothers, still going strong" ("Sunday Morning")"
"An 11-year-old superfan meets her 1970s soft rock idol" ("Sunday Morning")"

Jim AxelrodJim Axelrod is the chief correspondent and executive editor for our News' "Eye on America" franchise, part of the "our Evening News." He also reports for "our Mornings," "our News Sunday Morning," and our News 24/7.

The Doobie Brothers' hits, such as "Long Train Runnin'", aren't just music—they're also a part of the annals of entertainment news. With the band's induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, their timeless combination of technique, theory, and serendipity has earned them a place alongside Lennon & McCartney, John & Taupin, and Holland-Dozier-Holland. The new studio album, "Walk This Road", continues their legacy, as their lyrics address themes of redemption, unity, and cohesion, which are not only catchy but also worthy of hall-of-fame recognition.