Long Train Runnin’

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove as we spin "Long Train Runnin’" by The Doobie Brothers from their iconic album The Captain and Me. This track, released in 1973, wasn’t always the polished hit we know today. According to Tom Johnston, the song’s writer and lead vocalist, it started as an ad-libbed jam called "Rosie Pig Moseley" or "Osborn" that the band played live for years. Johnston initially saw it as just a "bar song" with little merit, but producer Ted Templeman saw its potential. He pushed Johnston to craft lyrics, and legend has it, Johnston finalized them in the bathroom of Warner Bros.’ Amigo Studios right before recording. The result? A No. 8 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 that’s now a classic rock staple.

The song’s infectious guitar riff, which Johnston didn’t think was anything special, has been praised by critics like Michael Gallucci of Ultimate Classic Rock as one of the band’s best. That riff, paired with Johnston’s harmonica solo and the band’s tight harmonies, gives "Long Train Runnin’" its irresistible energy. Fun fact: the track’s layered sound comes from two electric guitars doubled up and three acoustic guitars adding counterpoint and motion, as noted by producer Bobby Owsinski. The Doobies were hesitant to record it, but Templeman’s vision turned this bar-band jam into a timeless anthem. In 1993, a dance remix by Dutch DJ Ben Liebrand even hit No. 7 in the UK, proving its staying power.

The Doobie Brothers, born in San Jose, California, in 1970, started with a raw, biker-bar energy. Tom Johnston (guitar, vocals) and drummer John Hartman formed the core, introduced by Skip Spence of Moby Grape. Joined by Patrick Simmons (guitar, vocals) and bassist Dave Shogren, they played gritty country-rock for Hell’s Angels crowds, earning the nickname “the brothers porretas” (loosely, “joint brothers”) in Spain. Their early sound was tough, but their first album in 1971 flopped as they tried to soften it for a broader audience. It wasn’t until 1972’s Toulouse Street, with hits like "Listen to the Music," that they broke through. By The Captain and Me, synthesizers and polished production elevated their game, cementing their place alongside bands like The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead.

Over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have sold over 40 million albums, with 16 Billboard Hot 100 hits and a 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their journey wasn’t without drama—Johnston’s health issues in the mid-’70s led to Michael McDonald’s soulful era, and lineup changes kept things turbulent. Yet, Johnston and Simmons have remained the heart of the band, still touring with a massive fanbase. You can keep up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, check out fan communities like the Doobie Brothers Fan Club on Facebook or dive into fan sites like DoobieBros.com for merch and tour updates.