Minute by Minute

The Zoo Crew is spinning the smooth vibes of Minute by Minute by The Doobie Brothers, a track from their 1978 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, written by Michael McDonald and Lester Abrams, is a cornerstone of yacht rock, with its laid-back, blue-eyed soul and jazzy undertones. According to AllMusic critic Matthew Greenwald, the song showcases The Doobie Brothers’ shift to a “light, soul-oriented outfit,” with prominent keyboards and “simple and literate” lyrics that carry a subtle influence from Booker T. & the M.G.’s. It climbed to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1979 and earned a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus, though it lost the Song of the Year nomination to the band’s own What a Fool Believes. Interestingly, Michael McDonald recalled in a Rhino Greatest Hits CD booklet that the recording sessions were grueling, with countless takes for What a Fool Believes alone, and the band felt emotionally drained, initially doubting the album’s cohesion. Yet, as McDonald shared in a 2014 Ultimate Classic Rock interview, despite early skepticism from a Warner Bros. VP who called the album “terrible,” it captured the public’s imagination, becoming a triple-platinum blockbuster.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: Minute by Minute has been covered by artists like Helen Reddy, whose 1979 version was praised by Billboard as a “super single possibility,” and Peabo Bryson, whose 1980 cover hit #12 on the U.S. R&B chart. The song’s live performances also shine, with the band playing it on the Dinah! show in July 1979, and it’s featured on live albums like Farewell Tour (1983) and Live at the Greek Theatre 1982 (2011). Fans on platforms like Rate Your Music note its infectious groove, with one user calling it a “preheated cognac” that goes down smoothly, despite some old-school Doobie fans grumbling about the band’s softer, McDonald-led sound. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its polished blend of rock, soul, and pop, which, as Glide Magazine noted in a 2023 review, remains a testament to the band’s exceptional musicianship during a pivotal transition.

The Doobie Brothers got their start in 1970 in San Jose, California, when Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Dave Shogren, and John Hartman formed a quartet blending rock, country, and blues. Their early sound, marked by dual-lead guitars and tight harmonies, caught fire in Northern California’s biker bars, especially among Hells Angels fans at venues like Chateau Liberté in the Santa Cruz mountains. A mutual friend, Moby Grape’s Skip Spence, introduced Johnston and Hartman, and their demos, showcasing fuzz-toned guitars and Hartman’s drumming, landed them a deal with Warner Bros. Records by late 1970, thanks to producer Ted Templeman. Their 1971 self-titled debut didn’t fully capture their live energy, but 1972’s Toulouse Street, with hits like Listen to the Music, launched them into the spotlight. The band evolved over the years, with Michael McDonald joining in 1975, steering them toward a soulful, soft-rock sound that defined Minute by Minute. Despite lineup changes and a 1982 breakup, they reunited in 1987 and continue to tour and record, with a new album, Walk This Road, set for release in June 2025.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with The Doobie Brothers through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and news about their upcoming album. Fans can also join the Doobie Brothers International Fan Club for exclusive content and updates. For those craving community, check out fan-driven spaces like the Doobie Brothers Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, vinyl finds, and concert stories. These platforms keep the Doobie spirit alive, whether you’re a McDonald-era devotee or a classic Johnston fan.