Takin’ It to the Streets

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful vibes of The Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It to the Streets," a standout track from their 1976 album of the same name, and there’s some juicy trivia to share with all you Zoo Freaks out there. This song marked a pivotal moment for the band, as it was the first single featuring Michael McDonald on lead vocals. McDonald, a former Steely Dan collaborator, joined the Doobies when guitarist Tom Johnston fell ill in 1975. The song’s origin story is pretty wild—McDonald got the idea while driving to a Doobies gig in California, hammering out the intro on his piano before the show and finishing the lyrics later that night. Inspired partly by a college essay from his sister Maureen, the line "Take this message to my brother" reflects a call to action, addressing poverty and despair in the inner city. The gospel-tinged chorus, with the band chanting "takin’ it to the streets" while McDonald ad-libs, gives it that churchy feel, which was intentional to evoke hope and urgency. Fun fact: the Doobies took a stand against bootlegging with this song, appearing in a 1978 episode of What’s Happening!! where the character Rerun gets caught illegally taping their concert during a performance of "Takin’ It to the Streets." The band even re-recorded it in 2021 for their 50th anniversary, pairing it with a music video highlighting protests from women’s suffrage to Black Lives Matter, showing the song’s timeless message of taking it to the people.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Doobie Brothers got their start. Formed in San Jose, California, in 1970, the band came together when vocalist-guitarist Tom Johnston, drummer John Hartman, bassist Dave Shogren, and guitarist Patrick Simmons started jamming, blending rock, folk, country, and R&B. Their name, a nod to their love for a certain herbal pastime, captured their laid-back, hippie vibe. Early gigs in Northern California bars and biker joints built their rep for high-energy live shows. Their 1971 debut album, The Doobie Brothers, didn’t quite capture that live spark, but their 1972 follow-up, Toulouse Street, was a game-changer, with hits like "Listen to the Music" and "Jesus Is Just Alright" launching them into the spotlight. The addition of bassist Tiran Porter and drummer Michael Hossack, plus contributions from folks like Little Feat’s Bill Payne and Steely Dan’s Jeff Baxter, gave their sound a polished edge. By the time Michael McDonald joined in 1975, the band was evolving from boogie rock to a smoother, soulful sound, cementing their place as 1970s rock legends with chart-toppers like "What a Fool Believes."

For you Zoo Freaks who want to keep up with The Doobie Brothers, here’s where to find them. Their official website is thedoobiebrothers.com, packed with tour dates, news, and merch. On Facebook, they share throwback pics and updates, like celebrating the 43rd anniversary of Takin’ It to the Streets in 2019, asking fans to show off their vinyl or 8-tracks. Over on Instagram, you’ll find tour snaps and behind-the-scenes goodies. They’re active on X, too, posting about milestones like the 40th anniversary of "Takin’ It to the Streets" in 2016 and asking fans for their favorite tracks. For fan communities, check out the Doobie Brothers Fan Club on Facebook, where fans swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories. There’s also Rate Your Music, where diehards review and rank the band’s albums, including heated debates about the McDonald era versus the Johnston years. So, crank up that volume, Zoo Freaks, and keep takin’ it to the streets!