Listen To The Music

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Listen To The Music" by The Doobie Brothers from their 1972 album Toulouse Street, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This song, written by lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Johnston, was the band’s first major hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 in Canada. Johnston has shared that the song’s inspiration was a utopian vision of world peace, imagining world leaders gathering on a grassy hill, setting aside conflicts to simply listen to music. In a Songfacts interview, he admitted the idea was idealistic, saying, “It was very utopian and very unrealistic (laughs). It seemed like a good idea at the time.” The song’s feel-good vibe, with its smooth rhythm and Patrick Simmons’ banjo adding a folksy touch, has made it a staple of classic rock radio and a go-to encore for the band’s live shows.

Another fun tidbit about "Listen To The Music" comes from its cultural impact. The song has been covered by artists like Sonny & Cher and The Isley Brothers, and in 2014, The Doobie Brothers re-recorded it for their country-tribute album Southbound, featuring Blake Shelton and Hunter Hayes. The band performed this version at the 2014 CMA Awards alongside Hillary Scott, Jennifer Nettles, and Brad Paisley, showcasing its crossover appeal. Fans on The Doobie Brothers’ Facebook have shared nostalgic stories, with one recalling how the song was a dance floor magnet at 1970s wedding receptions. A 2018 post on X by the band highlighted a 1972 Rolling Stone promo for Toulouse Street, reminding fans to “Listen to the Music” for a dose of good vibes. During the 2020 pandemic, the band released an acoustic version on YouTube, performed from their homes, with Johnston noting it supported Feeding America, encouraging donations.

The Doobie Brothers got their start in San Jose, California, in 1970, born out of the vibrant Bay Area music scene. The band’s nucleus formed when drummer John Hartman met singer-guitarist Tom Johnston, introduced by Skip Spence of Moby Grape. They were soon joined by guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren, creating a sound that blended rock, folk, country, and R&B. Initially, they played local gigs under names like Pud before settling on The Doobie Brothers, a nod to their shared fondness for cannabis. Their self-titled debut album in 1971 didn’t chart, but it laid the groundwork for their breakthrough with Toulouse Street. The addition of bassist Tiran Porter and second drummer Michael Hossack for that album gave them their signature twin-drummer sound. Warner Bros. Records stuck with the band despite early struggles, allowing them to develop their craft without pressure for instant hits, a rarity in today’s music industry.

Over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have evolved, with lineup changes like Michael McDonald’s arrival in 1975 shifting their sound toward soulful soft rock. They’ve sold over 40 million albums, earned two Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, new music, and throwback posts. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive online, including the Doobie Brothers Fan Club on Facebook, a group with thousands of members sharing concert photos and memories. Another fan hub, The Doobie Brothers Fan Site, offers discographies and tour news, keeping the spirit of the band’s music alive for fans worldwide.