Music Monday: June 22, 2026

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Seventy five years ago the world met a Beethoven loving pianist named Schroeder.

Charles M. Schulz created characters who represented the many people we would meet in our lives. So it was no surprise when a music loving boy who also played catcher for the gang’s baseball team showed up. Since the date of his arrival was less than eight months after the debut of the comic strip on October 2, 1950, Schroeder has played a significant part in not only the comic strip but also both iconic TV specials (“A Charlie Brown Christmas” & “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”), the numerous movies, various merchandising memorabilia and everything else in the Peanuts world. And rightfully so because in addition to all the wonderful messages Mr. Schulz taught us through such a beloved group of characters, one of the best is that a child with an intense love of music inherently understands the transformative power that music & lyrics hold.

Image courtesy of Charles M. Schulz Museum’s Facebook page. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

One of the most significant and powerful voices in music launched his recording career 65 years ago. The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye, his debut album, was released June 8, 1961. It features mostly covers of standards by Irving Berlin (“Always”), Cole Porter (“Love For Sale”) and Cy Coleman & Carolyn Leigh (“Witchcraft”).

By the time Gaye’s 7th album was released 60 years ago in May 1966, Moods of Marvin Gaye, he was recording more tracks written by Motown based writers including Smokey Robinson (“Ill Be Doggone” and “Take This Heart of Mine”) and the prolific songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland (“Your Unchanging Love” and “Little Darling”, which was covered by The Doobie Brothers in 1977).

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Gaye released a second album in 1966-his second duet album, this time with singer Kim Weston-aptly title, Take Two. The first was with Mary Wells in 1964 but his most successful collaborations would begin in 1967 once he teamed up with Tammi Terrell.

His 13th album, I Want You, was released 50 years ago in March 1976. Five years later, he released his final album for Motown-and the penultimate album of his career-In Our Lifetime. His final album, Midnight Love, was released on Columbia Records in 1982.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last week the news broke that the beautiful & incredibly talented Daveigh Chase passed away at age 35. She was an actress known to me for her roles as Samara Morgan (the creepy girl in the well) in 2002’s “The Ring” and as Rhonda Volmar in HBO’s series, “Big Love” (2006-2011). I knew her from several TV appearances as well but only just learned she was the voice of Lilo in Disney’s 1998 “Lilo & Stitch” and Jake Gyllenhaal’s younger sister in 2001’s “Donnie Darko”. Her last role was 10 years ago in the 2016 thriller, “American Romance”.

I just finished a re-watch of “Big Love” and thought even during the first time I saw it that it was the performance of Chase’s career to that point at barely 17 years old. Her disturbing portrayal of a sociopathic teenager damaged by the extremism of a secluded life in a cult-like religion was chilling. I had read several online stories that said she stopped working about 10 years ago for a variety of reasons, so I checked her IMDb page to see if she had returned to acting. There were no new credits listed so I hoped that whatever she was doing, she was happy & safe. I hate that the reality was she died entirely too young after a decade of family estrangement and alleged substance abuse.

Daveigh Elizabeth Chase: July 24, 1990 – June 16, 2026.

Daveigh Chase (L) and her “Big Love” co-star, Chloë Sevigny (R) circa 2007. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Burrows, an epic force in television, also died last week. He was 85 years old.

His distinguished career began as a director on some of the biggest shows in the 1970’s including “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Laverne & Shirley”. Between 1978 and 1982, he directed 75 episodes of “Taxi”. In 1982, he co-created “Cheers” and directed 236 out of 270 episodes of the series. (That show also gave us a fabulous theme song co-written and sung by Long Island’s own Gary Portnoy).

Burrows had a massive number of directing credits to his name. He was also an executive producer & director for the series, “Will & Grace”. He worked with the creators of that show-David Kohan and Max Mutchnick-on 2025’s “Mid-Century Modern”, which turned out to be Burrows’ last show. And all of the work highlighted here is only a fraction of Burrows’ 50+ year career. Many years ago I saw a BTS story about “Will & Grace” where headliner Eric McCormack said one of the most incredible things about Burrows was that he did not watch the rehersals he directed. Rather, he looked at the floor and went with how he felt about what he heard from the actors. According to McCormack, Burrows instincts never missed. What a fabulous assessment of his legacy.

James Edward Burrows: December 30, 1940 – June 19, 2026

L-R: Ted Danson, Shelley Long & James Burrows on the set of Cheers circa 1982. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Ludwig van Beethoven: “Moonlight Sonata” (1802, written by Ludwig van Beethoven).

Marvin Gaye: “My Funny Valentine” (1961, written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers).

Marvin Gaye: “Ain’t That Peculiar” (1966, written by Warren Moore, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., Bobby Rogers, and Marvin Tarplin).

Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston: “It Takes Two” (1966, written by Sylvia Moy and William “Mickey” Stevenson).

Marvin Gaye: “I Want You” (1976, written by Arthur “T-Boy” Ross and Leon Ware).

Daveigh Chase: “The Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A.” (Performed in “Big Love” S2 E10. Original air date: August 13, 2007. Written by Donna Fargo).

Gary Portnoy: “Cheers Theme (“Where Everybody Knows Your Name”) (1982, written by Judy Hart-Angelo and Gary Portnoy).

Stay safe & well.

29Sep2025

Music Monday: September 29, 2025

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Some of the very best friends I have ever known are celebrating an extremely big anniversary in a few days. The Peanuts comic strip debuted 75 years ago on October 2, 1950. As stated on their website, it was on that day when “Charles M. Schulz introduced a brand-new comic strip with an unlikely round-headed hero, “Good ol’ Charlie Brown.” PEANUTS was born”.

“In 2025, Peanuts Worldwide celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Charles Schulz’ beloved creation, and the whole gang of personalities who have joined the cast along the way: philosophical Linus and his crabby big sister Lucy; piano-playing Schroeder; attention-grabbing Sally; history-making Franklin; not to mention Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Pigpen (and his famous dust cloud) and more. But no one has stolen the show quite like Snoopy, the coolest beagle on the planet”.

The Peanuts are fun, comfort, wisdom, great music & pop culture defined. Thank you, Mr. Schulz, for the gift of such beautiful and relatable characters.

Top: The very first Peanuts comic strip from October 2, 1950. Middle: Charles M. Schulz circa 1967 in front of a drawing of Charlie Brown. Bottom: The stamps issued by the USPS in 2022 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Schulz’s birth anniversary. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Bobby Bloom released his self-titled debut album 55 years ago in the summer of 1970. It did not make much of an impression, staying on the charts for only three weeks & peaking at #126 by the end of the year. But the first single-a calypso style number celebrating a popular destination spot in Jamaica-fared much better, peaking at #8 in November 1970.

My first introduction to this song came when I was in elementary school. I had a very progressive gym teacher who knew that dance routines & choregraphed movements were great forms of exercise. She led us in a dance to two songs every year-the first was to the beautiful instrumental track, “Love Is Blue”, by Paul Mauriat (which I featured on Day 13 of my Lockdown Countdown). The second was Bloom’s Top Ten hit from 1970. To this day, I cherish those memories & both of these songs.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

In my February 24, 2025 post, I focused on a few of the top selling songs from 50 years ago. This week I am focusing on three more of my favorite #1 songs of 1975 – Part 2.

The Doobie Brothers had their first #1 song in 1975. It was written by guitarist, vocalist & songwriter, Patrick Simmons, and was featured on their 1974 spectacularly titled album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. His song was the B-side to the first single (“Another Park, Another Sunday”) but was not discovered by radio stations until the end of 1974. Three months later, it hit the #1 spot on March 15, 1975 for one week. The track is Simmons’ ode to the Delta Blues with a nod to New Orleans. It features an inviting a cappella section and a commanding viola arrangement. As a teenager who played that instrument in junior high & high school, it was an absolute thrill to discover that not only did one of my favorite bands use it in a song, but it was on one of their most successful tracks.

The Doobie Brothers circa 1975 (L-R): Patrick Simmons (guitar), Tiran Porter (bass), Keith Knudsen (drums), Tom Johnston (guitar) and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (guitar). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Patti Labelle started singing in the group, The Ordettes, in the early 1960’s when she was still known as Patricia Holte. The group would change their name many times over the next decade, finally settling on LaBelle in 1971. Three years later, they signed with Epic Records and had incredible success with their soul, R&B, funk & rock infused album, Nightbirds, released in September 1974. It featured the #1 hit that reached the top spot on March 29, 1975 for one week, helping LaBelle become the first black vocal group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone for the July 3, 1975 issue.

LaBelle on the cover of Rolling Stone’s July 3, 1975 issue (L-R: Sarah Dash, Nona Hendrix (middle, seated) and Patti LaBelle. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

In 1974 Elton John wrote a song to honor his friend, tennis star & World Team Tennis MVP, Billie Jean King. That year she became the first woman to coach a professional sports team with both male & female players. The track not only became their anthem but also one for the city they played for. It was the second of EJ’s three #1 hits in 1975 (“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” & “Island Girl” were the other two).

Tennis legend Billie Jean King (L) and Elton John (R) circa 1975. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Bonus: Fifty five years ago on August 22, 1970, Bread hit the #1 spot in the country with a song written & produced by David Gates. It was one of my mother’s favorite songs & it is still one of mine. I dedicate it to her today on what would have been her 86th birthday.

“Life can be short or long, love can be right or wrong”.

Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Linus And Lucy” (1964, written by Vince Guaraldi).

Bobby Bloom: “Montego Bay” (1970, written by Jeff Barry and Bobby Bloom).

The Doobie Brothers: “Black Water” (1974, written by Patrick Simmons. It hit the #1 spot on March 15, 1975 for one week).

Labelle: “Lady Marmalade” (1974, written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. It hit the #1 spot on March 29, 1975 for one week).

Elton John: “Philadelphia Freedom” (1975, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It hit the #1 spot on April 12, 1975 for two consecutive weeks).

Bread: “Make It With You” (1970, written by David Gates).

Stay safe & well.

21Aug2023

Music Monday: August 21, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another triple play edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

July 12 marked the 80th birth anniversary for the wonderous musician & human, Christine McVie. After the news of her death last year, I posted the following tribute November 30, 2022 on my Instagram page:

Such sad news about the loss of this incredibly beautiful & talented woman. She was one of the first strong female musicians I loved who left an indelible mark on my heart. She wrote & sang her own songs while playing her signature sophisticated brand of piano, keyboards and synthesizer. Her role in Fleetwood Mac was so strong and powerful she started the group’s string of hits in 1975 and kept them going throughout their historic & phenomenal run as one of rock’s greatest bands.

Four of her songs are featured on 1975’s self-titled album & on 1977’s iconic Rumours (not including her co-writing credits on “World Turning” and “”The Chain”, respectively). Her incredibly lovely contralto voice on hits like “Say You Love Me”, “Don’t Stop”, “You Make Loving’ Fun” and others would have never been the same if sung by any other vocalist nor would they have helped define Fleetwood Mac’s sound. Rest in peace to a true musician, artist & performer who contributed such a major part of classic rock history.

Top: Christine <cVie circa 1997. Bottom: Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, McVie and her ex-husband, John McVie. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Founding Doobie Brother Tom Johnston celebrated birthday #75 last week. Born August 15, 1948 in Visalia, California, he learned to play guitar around age 12 (he also plays piano & harmonica). By 1970 The Doobie Brothers were formed and released their first album a year later. Their third album, The Captain and Me, celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year as it was released March of 1973.

Johnston was the writer and singer behind many of the group’s hits through 1976 when he left for medical reasons. He rejoined them in 1987 and has been with them ever since except for a current break which started earlier this year due to a back injury. My favorite of Johnston’s tunes is the second of today’s songs. It has been my motto & my philosophy on life since the first time I heard it. It was released on the band’s 1972 album, Toulouse Street. This track also closed out my 550 day music marathon during the pandemic.

Top: Tom Johnston circa 2010. Bottom: The 2020 version of The Doobie Brothers (L-R): Johnston, John McFee, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The man considered by many to be the greatest rock singer in history also turned 75 this month. Robert Plant was born August 20, 1948 in the UK. Twenty years later he became & is best known as the frontman of the ultimate classic rock band, Led Zeppelin. But in the nearly 45 years since they broke up in 1980, Plant has enjoyed much success as a solo artist, as a member of The Honeydrippers and as a longtime collaborator with country/bluegrass singer and musician, Alison Krauss. The last of today’s featured songs is from Led Zeppelin’s final studio album, In Through the Out Door, released in 1979. Plant is currently on a European tour in yet another collaborative project, Saving Grace.

Top: Robert Plant circa 2010. Bottom: Led Zeppelin circa 1972 (L-R): Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Over My Head” (1975, written by Christine McVie).

The Doobie Brothers: “Listen to the Music” (1972, written by Tom Johnston).

Led Zeppelin: “All My Love” (1979, written by John Paul Jones and Robert Plant).

Stay safe and well.

14Mar2022

Music Monday: March 14, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

On March 15, 1975 one of my all time favorite bands hit the top spot in the country with today’s song. From their gloriously titled 1974 album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits and written by guitarist Patrick Simmons, the ode to his favorite New Orleans sound & the Mississippi River was a surprise B-side hit that gave the group the first #1 song of their career. They did a really wonderful 2020 version of this tune with fans participating via video clips during lockdown as part of the band’s “Live In Isolation” series. But the original track still gets me every time, especially the sublime viola arrangement.

“Well I built me a raft and she’s ready for floatin’
Ol’ Mississippi, she’s callin’ my name
Catfish are jumpin’, that paddle wheel thumpin’
Black water keeps rollin’ on past just the same“

Top: The Doobie Brothers circa 1974 (L-R): Michael Hossack, Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, Tiran Porter and Jeff Baxter. Bottom: The 2020 version of the band (L-R): Michael McDonald, Simmons, Johnston and John McFee. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “Black Water” (1974, written by Patrick Simmons).

Stay safe & well.

28Feb2022

Music Monday: February 28, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

As we say goodbye to February 2022, let’s focus on the milestone birthdays celebrated this month for two of music’s most incredible talents. Singer/songwriter extraordinaire Carole King turned 80 on February 9 (born in 1942) and blue-eyed soul Doobie Brother Michael McDonald turned 70th on February 12 (born in 1952). Plus, February 26th marked the 90th birth anniversary for The Man In Black, Johnny Cash (born in 1932). It is impossible for me to pick just one of these icons to spotlight today, so I am going to do things a little differently this week and feature one track from each. You’re welcome.

Johnny Cash circa 1965. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

All three artists hold special places in my heart & mind. The first concert I ever attended was The Doobie Brothers. I liked them before McDonald joined them, but with him their sound evolved into rock & soul fusion which I absolutely adored. King is the genius behind the best album by a female artist, not to mention the composer of so many hits I have lost track. Cash was one of my first introductions to classic country music courtesy of my grandmother’s love of the genre. These are some of the greatest moments in my varied & extensive musical history. And I am thankful for this soundtrack in my life single day.

Carole King circa 1990. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

For McDonald I was going to choose my favorite from his early Doobie Brother years-“It Keeps You Running“-but then I remembered the title track from his 1990 album which still makes me swoon more than 30 years later. I chose a song from King’s 1971 opus because those were the best of her career in my world. As for Cash, he could sing anything. And he did. But one of his signature songs is always my pick to start a listening party by him because they bring back some of the fondest memories of my life. But any track from any one of these icons would obviously be welcome. Their talent & music speaks for itself. Enjoy.

Michael McDonald circa 2000. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Johnny Cash: “Ring Of Fire” (1963, written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore).

Carole King: “Tapestry” (1971, written by Carole King).

Michael McDonald: “Take It To Heart” (1990, written by Michael McDonald and Diane Warren).

Stay safe & well.

17Sep2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 550

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi everyone. Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing. But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Well, ladies & gentlemen, we have come to the end of the long & winding road of songs. I think it is time to end this marathon of music. Schools have reopened, concerts & sporting events have resumed and several Broadway shows reopened earlier this week with more to follow. While masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future as we battle the Delta Variant, we are a lot closer to normal then where we were at the beginning of this year and certainly 12 months ago.

When I started this in Match 2020, I had no idea it would last this long. But then again I never lived through a pandemic before. When we first went into quarantine, I remember hearing a person on a news program say it was going to bring out the best in some of us and the worst in others. No doubt we have all seen both of those extremes but hopefully more good than bad. Thank you all for coming along with me for 550 songs, critiques, memories, reviews, stories, facts and fun (I hope). I will still feature a song on my blog every week on Music Mondays so be sure to join me for that. And now, time for our final song.

The Doobie Brothers hold a special place in my heart, not only for their music but because theirs was the first concert I ever attended. They performed today’s song that night. It was their first big hit, reaching #11 in November 1972. It is from their second album, Toulouse Street, released four months earlier. This song has been one of the mottos of my life since the first time I heard it. And it is the best piece of advice I would ever offer anyone. Stay safe & well, friends. And always listen to the music.

“If I’m feelin’ good to you
And you’re feelin’ good to me
There ain’t nothin’ we can’t do or say
Feelin’ good, feeling fine
Oh baby let the music play“.

The Doobie Brothers 1972 album, Toulouse Street. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “Listen To The Music” (1972, written by Tom Johnston).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

16Jun2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 457

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Time for a mid-week Motown break, with this one coming by way of California from 1975. There are some great cover versions of Motor City songs and today’s is one of the best by one of my favorite bands. It was originally recorded by Kim Weston in 1965 & written by the powerhouse writing team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier & Eddie Holland. Today marks Mr. Dozier’s 80th birthday and if you try for one second to imagine music without this man & his co-writers’ magnificent words & music, the silence would be deafening. Happy birthday to one of the pillars of Motown.

“I’ve tried my best to be strong but I’m not able
I’m like a helpless child left in a cradle
Before you leave me leave me far behind
Let me feel happy one more time“.

The Doobie Brothers 1975 album, Stampede. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While”) (1975, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

19Mar2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 368

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

On March 19, 1976 The Doobie Brothers released the album, Takin’ It To The Streets. It was the group’s first one with keyboard player, songwriter & vocalist, Michael McDonald. He helped move the group in a different sound direction that led to their mega hit 1978 album, Minute By Minute.

McDonald was brought in to fill the void from original member Tom Johnston’s temporary leave for health issues in 1975. He tried to come back during the tour for the group’s next album, but after another health problem he decided to leave the band he co-founded for good in 1977. During Johnston’s years the band was known for its heavy guitar driven tunes courtesy of his and Patrick Simmons playing. But with McDonald the band took on a more keyboard centered sound which only added to the success of this already talented group.

“She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize
It never really was“.

The Doobie Brothers circa 1976: Back row (L-R): Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Keith Knudsen, Tom Johnston, John Hartman, Patick Simmons. Front: Tiran Porter and Michael McDonald. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “What A Fool Believes” (1978, written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

13Feb2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 334

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

My first concert was The Doobie Brothers at the Nassau Coliseum in Hempstead, NY. Billy Squier was their opening act and I sat way up in the nosebleed seats. That in no way dampened my enthusiasm nor did it negate the fact that despite being a million miles away from him, I was still in the same arena as the gorgeous, talented & soulful Michael McDonald. That beautiful man turned 69 years young on February 12. Happy birthday to one of the greatest blue eyed soul singers out there. Swoon.

“Call my name and I’ll be gone
You’ll reach out and I won’t be there
Just my luck you’ll realize
You should spend your life with someone
You could spend your life with someone“.

The Doobie Brothers circa 2014 (L-R): Patrick Simmons, John McFee, Michael McDonald and Tom Johnston. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “Minute By Minute” (1978, written by Lester Abrams and Michael McDonald).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

19Oct2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 217

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today we celebrate the birthday of a brother. A Doobie Brother. Patrick Simmons was born 72 years ago today in 1948. He has been the only consistent member of the band since they first formed in California fifty years ago in 1970. He is a singer, songwriter & guitarist who wrote today’s song. It was the band’s first #1 record, hitting the top of the chart in March 1975. The song is from the band’s 1974 album which has one of the best titles for a record I ever heard, “What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits”.

They performed today’s pick back in April in their “Live In Isolation” series and the ending chorus featured clips of fans singing along with them from home videos. It was a fabulous way to connect with their audience. So many of us are missing live music, one of the great casualties of this virus. But the Brothers made it happen. They hold a special place in my heart as theirs was the first concert I ever attended. I adore their music and remain completely in love with 1978’s “Minute By Minute” album to this day.

The Doobie Brothers are part of the Class of 2020 R&R HOF Inductees that did not get their official ceremony in May since it was cancelled because of the pandemic. But they should have been inducted decades ago. The band’s first album came out in 1971, making them eligible for the HOF in 1996. That is according to the Hall’s rule which makes an artist first eligible 25 years after the release of their debut album. Do the math, everyone. The Doobie Brothers have waited nearly twice that long.

The band’s page on the Hall’s website even acknowledges this (“They have been a mainstay in the rock & roll landscape for nearly five decades”) yet offers no apology nor explanation for the delay. But do not get me started on that place since John Coltrane, Bad Company, Warren Zevon, Pat Benatar, Jim Croce & Tina Turner (as a solo artist) are also still waiting to get in. But Abba was inducted 10 years ago. Completely ridiculous.

Simmons is being inducted with fellow Brothers Tom Johnston, John McFee, John Hartman, Michael Hossack (1946-2012), Tiran Porter, Keith Knudsen (1948-2005), Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Michael McDonald, who rejoined the group last year (yay!!!). The live ceremony has been revamped to “an exclusive special” to air on HBO & HBO MAX on November 7. In any case it will be a nice belated birthday gift for Simmons.

“Well, I built me a raft and she’s ready for floatin’
Ol’ Mississippi, she’s callin’ my name
Catfish are jumpin’, that paddle wheel thumpin’
Black water keeps rollin’ on past just the same“.

Top: The Doobie Brothers in 1978 (L-R, top to bottom): John Hartman, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, Keith Knudsen, Jeff Skunk” Baxter & Tiran Porter. Bottom: The Brothers circa 2020: Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee & McDonald. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers: “Black Water” (1974, written by Patrick Simmons).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

	Music Monday: June 8… on Let’s Take A Moment Day…
	Music Monday: May 18… on Let’s Take A Moment Day…
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	Music Monday: April… on Music Monday: October 7, …

Lilacs & Rust

Music & makeovers! I swoon for chippy paint, a gorgeous patina and a fabulous song!!! I love great music (read: Bruce Springsteen & Otis Redding), white lilacs, walking in freshly fallen snow, the Golden Girls, road trips and the fall!!!

Tag Archives: The Doobie Brothers

Music Monday: June 22, 2026

Music Monday: September 29, 2025

Music Monday: August 21, 2023

Music Monday: March 14, 2022

Music Monday: February 28, 2022

Let’s Take A Moment Day 550

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers 1972 album, Toulouse Street. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 457

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Doobie Brothers 1975 album, Stampede. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 368

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 334

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 217

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Top: The Doobie Brothers in 1978 (L-R, top to bottom): John Hartman, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, Keith Knudsen, Jeff Skunk” Baxter & Tiran Porter. Bottom: The Brothers circa 2020: Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee & McDonald. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)