The Doobie Brothers
 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. Thanks to the hit singles "Jesus Is Just Alright"
and "Listen to the Music," their next album, 1972's Toulouse Street,
was a commercial breakthrough, setting the stage for their
extremely popular 1973 effort The Captain And Me, which included
the Top 10 hit "China Grove."
1.permanent: adj. 永久的, 持久的
2.drummer: n. 鼓手, <美> 旅行推销员
3.breakthrough:n. 突破
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. Unfortunately,
things took a turn for the worse in 1975, when sales of their new
album, Stampede, failed to match sales expectations and singer
Tom Johnston was hospitalized with a stomach disorder, causing him
to miss their supporting tour. Former Steely Dan vocalist Michael
McDonald stepped in to complete the tour.
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. Poppy, with a hint of jazz and funk, the
new lighter sound propelled sales of the album to platinum levels,
revitalizing the band. 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."
1.showcase: n. (商店或博物馆的玻璃)陈列橱, <主美>显示优点的东西
2.formulate: vt. 用公式表示, 明确地表达, 作简洁陈述 v. 阐明
3.spawn: n. (鱼等的)卵, (植物)菌丝, 产物 v. 产卵
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.
1.immortalize: vt. 使不灭, 使不朽, 使名垂千古
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.
1.fledge: vi. 长羽毛, (幼虫)长翅(变成成虫)vt. 喂养, 用羽毛盖上, 装上羽毛
2.municipal:adj. 市政的, 市立的, 地方性的, 地方自治的
3.dinosaur: n. 恐龙
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