Biography
Guitarist Patrick Simmons entered the Doobie Brothers in 1970, helping transform the ensemble from a regional act performing in biker bars into an international phenomenon that moved millions of records and placed numerous singles on the charts throughout the 1970s. Born on October 19, 1948, in Aberdeen, WA, he first picked up the guitar at eight years old. Despite resistance from his parents, he sustained his involvement through high school and college while operating a modest folk venue. That same year he linked up with guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston, drummer John Hartman, and bassist Dave Shogren, previously known collectively as Pud. At the suggestion of an acquaintance, the musicians adopted the name the Doobie Brothers, secured a Warner Bros. contract, and, beginning with their second album, Toulouse Street, launched a sustained run on the charts. Although Simmons rarely served as the band’s chief songwriter, he supplied material and performances across every release, among them the gold-certified “Black Water,” which became their first number-one single, and the Top 40 track “Dependin’ on You,” featured on the blockbuster Minute by Minute. His vocal contributions also helped define the group’s signature harmonies. Following the 1983 breakup, Simmons issued the solo album Arcade. While it fell short of the commercial reach achieved by Michael McDonald’s solo effort released the previous year, Arcade still yielded the Top 40 single “So Wrong” and a lesser hit, “Don’t Make Me Do It,” written by Huey Lewis. In 1989 the original lineup reconvened, and the Doobie Brothers reentered the upper reaches of the charts with “The Doctor,” a song that reached the pop Top Ten and led the album-rock tally that year. Although new recordings have appeared only sporadically since, the band maintains an active touring schedule, with Simmons continuing to supply his distinctive guitar work and vocals.
Albums