The Doobie Brothers almost missed out on one of their biggest hits when they relegated "Black Water" to a B-side, but audiences discovered it and made it a No. 1 hit in 1975. The song, written and sung by Patrick Simmons, was initially overshadowed by other tracks on the album. However, with its laid-back vibe and references to Mark Twain's South, "Black Water" gained momentum and became the band's first No. 1 hit. The song's success was a result of producer Ted Templeman's suggestion to build a song around a guitar piece Simmons had created. With its idyllic lyrics and Dixieland influences, "Black Water" eventually became a classic rock staple for The Doobie Brothers.