Takin’ It to the Streets

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful vibes of The Doobie Brothers' "Takin’ It to the Streets," a track that marked a pivotal shift for the band when it hit the airwaves in 1976. Written by Michael McDonald, the song was inspired by a college essay from his sister Maureen, which sparked the lyric "Take this message to my brother." McDonald crafted the song to reflect the struggles of inner-city poverty, delivering a gospel-infused anthem that calls for bringing a message of change directly to the people. The track’s creation story is as spontaneous as the Zoo Freaks’ love for it—McDonald started piecing together the intro while driving to a Doobie Brothers gig in California, setting up his piano before the show to flesh it out and finishing it later that night. The song’s infectious chorus, with its chant-like repetition, was intentionally designed to evoke a churchy, communal feel, perfect for the Crew’s free-spirited audience.

Behind the scenes, "Takin’ It to the Streets" came at a critical moment for the band. In a 2016 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, co-founder Patrick Simmons recalled urging producer Ted Templeman to hear McDonald sing, despite Templeman’s initial hesitation to introduce a new lead vocalist. McDonald’s soulful performance of the song won him the role, transforming the Doobies’ sound from guitar-driven rock to a smoother, keyboard-heavy blend of blue-eyed soul and yacht rock. Social media posts from fans, like a 2017 tweet from @TheDoobieBros, celebrate the song’s release anniversary, asking followers to share their favorite tracks from the album, showing its lasting resonance with listeners.

The song’s impact extends beyond its original release. It’s been covered by artists like Taylor Hicks, who recorded it as a B-side for his 2006 single, and performed live with country stars like Brad Paisley at the 2014 CMA Awards, as noted on Songfacts. A 2023 Reddit thread on the Steely Dan subreddit praised its “delightful pop” qualities, with fans noting the influence of ex-Steely Dan members McDonald and Jeff Baxter in its Latin-inflected rhythms. The song even found its way into pop culture, featured in a 1978 episode of What’s Happening!!, where the Doobies performed it during a plot about bootlegging, adding a quirky chapter to its legacy.

The Doobie Brothers began their journey in 1970 in San Jose, California, rooted in the biker-bar scene with a raw blend of rock, folk, and R&B. Founding members Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John Hartman, and Dave Shogren drew their name from their love for “doobies,” a nod to their counterculture vibe that resonates with the Zoo Crew’s hippie spirit. Their early sound, driven by Johnston’s gritty vocals and guitar, produced hits like “Listen to the Music” and “Long Train Runnin’,” establishing them as a staple of ’70s rock. By 1975, health issues forced Johnston to step back, paving the way for McDonald’s arrival, which redefined their sound with albums like Takin’ It to the Streets, as detailed on their Wikipedia page.

Today, the band’s legacy thrives online. Their official website, thedoobiebrothers.com, offers tour dates and merch, while their Facebook page, with over 1.5 million likes, shares live performances and fan engagement posts. On Instagram, they post nostalgic photos and tour updates, and their X account keeps the conversation alive with throwback posts like the 2019 tweet celebrating the 43rd anniversary of Takin’ It to the Streets. Fan communities flourish too, with sites like doobiestribute.com offering tribute band info and the Doobie Brothers Fans Facebook group connecting Zoo Freaks-style devotees worldwide, sharing vinyl collections and concert memories.