What A Fool Believes (Live 1996)

The song "What A Fool Believes (Live 1996)" by The Doobie Brothers has a rich history filled with interesting trivia. Originally written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, the song was first released by Loggins on his 1978 album "Nightwatch," but it was The Doobie Brothers' version, with McDonald on lead vocals, that became iconic. According to an interview in The Guardian, McDonald initially doubted the song's potential, famously stating, "I went into a meeting with old pros and hitmakers and said: 'This thing is a piece of crap, but I’ll play it for you anyway.' And they replied: 'Are you crazy? That’s great!'" This skepticism turned to surprise when the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979, and later won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 1980. Posts on X have celebrated this milestone, with @TheDoobieBros noting on April 14, 2020, that it was "41 years ago today" the song reached the top spot, highlighting its enduring popularity. The live 1996 version adds a fresh layer, showcasing the band's ability to adapt their signature yacht rock sound for a live audience, a style that fans on Reddit, particularly in r/Yachtrock, often cite as a quintessential example of the genre, scoring it a perfect 100 on their "Yachtski Scale."

Another fascinating story comes from the recording process, detailed in various web sources like Best Classic Bands and Songfacts. Producer Ted Templeman faced challenges getting the rhythm track right, eventually playing drums alongside Keith Knudsen to achieve a "floppy feel." When no single take satisfied, Templeman made the bold move to physically cut and splice the master tape, a risky technique that paid off with the hit version. Michael McDonald also shared in an interview that his sister initially thought the song sounded like "circus music" and advised him to forget it, a piece of advice he fortunately ignored. Social media reactions on Reddit, such as those in r/OldSchoolCool, often reminisce about the song's nostalgic appeal, with one user recalling it as the first song they loved as a child in the late 1970s, learning the word "nostalgic" from it. These stories underline the song's unexpected journey from doubt to acclaim and its lasting cultural impact.

The Doobie Brothers, the band behind "What A Fool Believes," have a storied beginning rooted in the late 1960s Southern California music scene. Formed in 1969 by Tom Johnston, John Hartman, Skip Spence, and Gregg Murph, the group originally started as Pud before evolving into The Doobie Brothers. According to their official bio on Wikipedia and other web sources, the name was inspired by the slang term "doobie" for a marijuana cigarette, reflecting their hippie roots. Skip Spence soon left, and Dave Shogren joined, followed by Patrick Simmons in 1970, solidifying the early lineup. The band initially gained fame with a boogie-rock sound, scoring hits like "Listen to the Music" and "Long Train Runnin'" in the early 1970s. Michael McDonald joined in 1976, bringing a smoother, more soulful sound that shifted their style, culminating in the success of "What A Fool Believes." This evolution from their roots to yacht rock pioneers showcases their adaptability and enduring appeal.

Fans of The Doobie Brothers can connect with the band and their community through various online platforms. The band's official website is https://www.thedoobiebrothers.com, where you can find the latest news, tour dates, and merchandise. They are also active on social media, with their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thedoobiebrothers, their Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/thedoobiebrothers, and their X account at https://twitter.com/TheDoobieBros. For fan engagement, there are dedicated fan websites like https://www.doobiebros.net, which offers fan forums, history, and discographies. Additionally, Facebook groups such as "Doobie Brothers Fans" at https://www.facebook.com/groups/doobiebrothersfans provide spaces for fans to share memories, discuss music, and stay updated on band activities.