The Doobie Brothers: Celebrating 37 Years of 'The Doctor' and a Legacy of Rock
The Doobie Brothers released their hit single "The Doctor" in May, 37 years ago, as part of their 1989 album, Cycles. The song topped the Billboard mainstream rock chart and reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics express the band's belief in the healing power of music, with lines like "Music is the doctor, makes you feel like you want to." Fans have fond memories of the song, with one YouTube comment mentioning its ubiquitous presence in the summer of 1989.
The Doobie Brothers, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, continue to tour actively. The current lineup includes Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Michael McDonald, and John McFee, all in their 70s. In a 2025 interview, Johnston reflected on the band's longevity, emphasizing that their success was not something they planned for but rather a result of their passion for music. Simmons echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of loving what you do in the music industry.
The Doobie Brothers are currently on tour in the United States this summer, bringing their iconic music to audiences across the country.