From Doubt to Chart-Topping Hit: The Story of The Doobie Brothers' 'What a Fool Believes
The iconic 1970s hit song "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers almost didn't see the light of day before becoming a massive success. Originally written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, the track was released as a single for The Doobie Brothers' album Minute by Minute in 1978. Despite initial doubts from producer Ted Templeman, the band persevered to find the right arrangement for the song, with Templeman even playing the drums himself to give it a unique feel.
Templeman later admitted that he was ready to discard the song, feeling it wasn't up to par when presenting it to Warner Bros. executives. However, the label saw the potential in the track and encouraged its release. "What a Fool Believes" went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 1979 and earned The Doobie Brothers Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
The success of "What a Fool Believes" solidified The Doobie Brothers' place in music history, showcasing their ability to turn a seemingly overlooked track into a chart-topping hit. The song's journey from uncertainty to acclaim is a testament to the band's talent and perseverance in the music industry.