Dependin’ on You

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the smooth vibes of "Dependin’ on You" by The Doobie Brothers from their 1978 album Minute by Minute for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a soulful blend of rock and yacht rock, was co-written by Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons, with Simmons taking the lead vocals, a shift from the McDonald-heavy singles like "What a Fool Believes." Unlike the album’s other hits, this song features backing vocals from Nicolette Larson and Rosemary Butler, adding a rich, layered texture. Billboard praised its "arresting" hook and clever use of horns, while Cash Box noted its infectious piano and bass boogie beat. The single climbed to #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #37 on the Adult Contemporary chart, with a #33 spot in Canada’s RPM Top 100. Fun fact: the song has stayed in the band’s live setlist well into the 2020s, including a 1996 benefit concert performance released on their live album Rockin’ Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert.

Delving into the song’s creation, The Doobie Brothers were riding high during the Minute by Minute era, a period marked by their shift toward a slicker, more soul-infused sound. In a 2012 documentary, Let the Music Play: The Story of the Doobie Brothers, Simmons shared that "Dependin’ on You" was born from jamming sessions where he and McDonald bounced ideas, aiming for a feel-good groove that reflected their camaraderie. The horns, a standout feature, were inspired by their love for R&B and soul, drawing from influences like Tower of Power. A post on X from @in_yacht highlights the album’s yacht rock cred, calling it a pinnacle of the genre, with "Dependin’ on You" as a key track. Fans on the Doobie Brothers Fan Club group on Facebook often share stories of hearing the song live, noting Simmons’ emotive delivery and the crowd’s sing-along energy, especially during their 1979 No Nukes benefit shows alongside acts like Bruce Springsteen.

The Doobie Brothers got their start in 1970 in San Jose, California, when drummer John Hartman and guitarist-vocalist Tom Johnston began jamming with like-minded musicians drawn to a mix of rock, blues, and country. Patrick Simmons joined soon after, bringing his fingerstyle guitar and songwriting, while bassist Dave Shogren rounded out the early lineup. As detailed on their official website, they took their name from a friend’s suggestion, riffing on their shared love for a certain herbal pastime. Playing biker bars and local dives, they honed their raw, energetic sound, catching the ear of Warner Bros. Records. Their 1971 self-titled debut didn’t chart, but 1972’s Toulouse Street, with hits like "Listen to the Music," put them on the map. The addition of Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and later Michael McDonald in the mid-’70s pushed their sound toward jazz and soul, leading to their Minute by Minute peak. Over five decades, lineup changes—like McDonald’s return in 2019—and their genre flexibility have kept them relevant, with a 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction cementing their legacy.

Stay connected with The Doobie Brothers through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans can dive deeper at the Doobie Brothers Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where Zoo Freaks and others share memories, rare clips, and concert tips. Another fan hub, doobiebros.com, offers discographies and fan-driven content. Whether you’re grooving to "Dependin’ on You" or exploring their catalog, the Doobies’ vibe keeps the Zoo Crew and their fans rocking.