The Doobie Brothers share the Story of 70s Hit China Grove | Pop Fix | Professor of Rock

[@donolbers9446]

It's hard to believe how popular The Doobie Brothers were by the mid-70's. Hit after hit after hit.

[@patrickfritz5246]

The Doobie Brothers are the only "older" band that I'm glad to see are still performing after 50 years. They still look and sound great, unlike others who should have hung it up long ago. Long live the Doobies!!!

[@brianoconnor7796]

well said

[@jrfrondelli2023]

I'm a 64 year-old musician (mainly drummer, but also guitar and bass), and have been a Doobie Brothers fan since the early 70's. They are such a part of my musical upbringing. I'm fortunate enough nowadays to be playing drums with a Doobie Brothers tribute band. Hey, I always wanted to be a Doobie! 😁

[@godfreydaniel6278]

I lived across the street and one house over from the Doobies on 12th St when they lived there - those were the effing days! Almost every band from those days was about looseness - the Doobies were all about tightness - and they practiced, practiced, practiced like you wouldn't believe. Their house had a basement, and that basement was their rehearsal studio - upon my soul, I heard all of their early hits literally hundreds of times long before they ever made it to vinyl. Saw them too, at their regular gig at the Chateau Liberte in the Santa Cruz hills. Everyone knew they were gonna be HUGE. What a GREAT time to be young...

[@kaybruce8159]

Wow - awesome memory.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

@@kaybruce8159 - When they finally landed a record deal, they all went to LA to record their first album. Evidently they got a big advance, 'cuz when they got back, every one of them bought a MAJOR stereo setup - the big speakers, the powerful amplifiers, the top turntables - the whole enchilada. Imagine each of those rigs set up in their little bedrooms! That week, on garbage pickup day, the cardboard boxes for ALL that stuff was out on the sidewalk - it was a MOUNTAIN of cardboard maybe twenty feet wide, across the whole front yard. God, I wish I had taken a picture - haven't seen anything like it to this day. Of course, after the album was released, they went on tour to support it - a major, months-long tour, of course, and not long after that, when the BIG money started rolling in, they all moved away, one by one. The neighborhood was never the same. Those were GREAT days...

[@johnypitman2368]

Most gave no clue how hard the great bands worked. So many burnt out

[@sarahm.5356]

Was Black Water before or after 12th Street?

[@godfreydaniel6278]

@@sarahm.5356 To be honest, I don't remember hearing it. Mostly it was the staple rockers - Long Train Running, Jesus is Just All Right (which was extended greatly into jams) and the other early tunes and covers. The basement was well-sound-proofed - and if it wasn't LOUD it was hard to make out exactly what they were playing...

[@627apache]

Pat Simmons mom was my Kindergarten teacher at Amber Drive school in San Jose Ca. We knew her son was someone famous but beyond that had no idea who he was. Really nice lady I can tell her kindness, warmth and approachable persona was passed down to her son. Thanks for all the kick ass music over the years Doobs

[@timburleson1078]

An awesome song you have to play loud. I love the Tom years and the Michael years. Thank you guys for the music.

[@brianoconnor7796]

❤I concur, I love both iterations of the band and seamlessly go between both eras of the catalog. We may not be in the majority of Doobies fans, but, rest assured ik I'm a fan for life and 100% completely a fan, I understand both sides of the situation but I personally never picked sides, because McDonald seriously talented himself

[@igoski1582]

My very first Rock concert was the Doobie's. It was their very last show on their "What Was Once Vices Are Now Habits" tour. I guess they wanted to end it with a bang and make it special. After they finish the first song, they did not stop. Without missing a beat or note, went into the next song non stop, This went on, and on through the entire show and they literally did not stop playing at all until the end of the last song. THEN the entire band started destroying their equipment on stage! Beating their guitars on the floor, kicking and throwing both drum kits to where everything was ruined. THEN two carts full of PIES came out! The band had a pie fight, 3 Stooges style. Pies every where and on all the band members. THEN this guy from the front row gets on stage with them. The guy gets a pie in the face and thrown off the stage, back into the crowd. Everybody was freaking out. WHAT THE HELL! WHAT A SHOW! i was left thinking, wow, this is Rock and Roll. I became a Dobbie Brothers fan, and still am.

[@CORNPOP24]

My favorite band of all time. Another Park Another Sunday.

[@collincolston8443]

The Doobie Brothers were my first concert back in about 1975. They opened with Listen to the Music and closed with China Grove. I've never forgotten just how good they were.

[@jamesmcdonald6047]

I got a stereo system for Christmas that year!!! Parents bought a Neil Diamond album, My first purchase was Doobie Brothers Captain and Me!!! Still have both, Treasured beyond description. Lived my life with that music!!!

[@billjohnson6300]

Two of the greatest guys in rock! "Without love, where would you be now?"

[@brianoconnor7796]

love that line

[@daleeasterwood2683]

I was 16 years old in ‘73 and The Captain and Me was the first Doobie Brothers album I bought. It certainly was not the last. Every time a Doobie Brothers song comes on, it takes me back. Great times during difficult teenage years!

[@skruloos1]

These guys deserved to be in the hall of fame a hell of a long time ago..

[@jashall3804]

Dark eyed Cajun woman my FAVORITE. Turned this album on to my son and grandson. My son always liked South city midnight lady. my grandson always liked Ukiah. I had to tell my grandson where Ukiah was. LOL.

[@shanewright2772]

One of my favourite live acts. There is not a bad vibe or a foot not dancing in the house whenever and wherever they play.

[@garrettlowell7637]

As long as I have been driving and taking road trips, the Doobs are an essential part of the journey.

[@brianoconnor7796]

for real some great driving music

[@billborrough]

Hey now Professor of Rock, I wanted to say thanks for this excellent interview with the Doobie Brothers. China Groove was my late great step father's favorite song. He was from the edge of San Antonio and hung out in China Groove as a kid. In the 70's when the song came out he was stationed overseas and "China Groove" really meant a lot to him. He served his country for over fourty years.

[@brianoconnor7796]

❤❤ Awesome, thanks to your Awesome step-dad!! ty to him for his superb service to our country, and the Doobies are the quintessential American band imo, yes that is a great and interesting story, ty for sharing..

[@wdkerbow]

Probably my most favorite bass line to play. It was one of the first ones I ever learned. I got to meet the Doobie Brothers after a concert in Austin Texas in September 1989, and I went straight to the bass player to chat with him, and he was like "Really no one ever wants to talk to the bass player!" We had a nice visit.

[@amybeacham4059]

Tiran Porter is a very underrated bass player.

[@Markus_Andrew]

@@amybeacham4059 Absolutely, Tiran is one of the best. I love what he does on "Clear As The Driven Snow".

[@mikedr1549]

Congrats to the Doobies for finally getting their due and being enshrined in the Rock Hall! More than well deserved.

[@LeCalla]

Thank you for sharing the story of "China Grove!" My story: I was 9 years old, and I had this crappy, little, beat up transistor radio strapped to the handlebars of my bicycle. We had just moved out in the middle of the country, and I just wasn't feeling it. I remember I was a little upset...don't remember about what...so, as kids do, or used to do, anyway...I took off on my bike down this dusty, one lane gravel road. "China Grove" came on that static-laced transistor and I parked my bike, took the radio off the handlebars and held it to my ear while dancing around in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly the bad mood was gone, replaced by this happy feeling that song gave to me. Begged my parents for "The Captain and Me." I still have the LP and have been a fan of the Doobie Brothers ever since.

[@DWyn-xq4yf]

The beauty, power and magic of rock n' roll music! 😁

[@johnmcaleese8459]

What I find crazy is, the songs I loved back as a kid in the 70's, I still do !!!! What an era for Rock & Roll. Just a few ; The Eagles, Boston, The Doobs, Santana, The Who, Stones, Hall & Oates, Clapton, V.H. Alan Parsons Project, Jefferson Starship, Foreigner, Led Zep., Montrose

[@DWyn-xq4yf]

@@johnmcaleese8459 The '70s as an era in rock music is called 'classic' for a reason. The artist you mention have songs that are timeless that later generations can, will, and do listen too because of the high quality of the material. I didn't grow up in the '70s, but my parents did and like a lot of people appreciate the music because they heard it on the radio. Rock n' roll will pull you through and never forget. 😉

[@brianoconnor7796]

❤ Awesome

[@brianoconnor7796]

​@johnmcaleese8459 yes sir, non-disposable music at its FINEST, I ECHO THOSE SENTIMENTS LOUDLY!!

[@TPaine1776]

October 29th, 1980 in Memphis, TN I saw the Doobies. A wonderful show. At the end when they said goodnight we still had not heard China Grove. I was like "what gives?" Crowd screams and they come back out for an encore. Don't remember what it was, but no C.G. I was a bit disappointed. More screaming and another encore and yes it was the beloved China Grove and all was right with the world. Thanks to them for being such a part of my life and thank you for this video of them.

[@AffordableEscapesShreveport]

IF you grew up w the Doobies then you know CHINA GROVE has to be in the TOP 10 Rock Songs of All Time! Crazy to think it wouldn't be! And its not a stretch to say this either! Adam to sit down with Tom Johnston! 1 of the BEST guitar players & underrated! What a Freakin Thrill! WOW Pat Simmons too! I've met them at meet & greets BUT THIS! Had to be a WAY UP THERE experience for ya! Well done

[@liaison66]

I've always loved this song since the first time I heard it. I grew up not too far from San Antonio and I have driven past that China Grove sign dozens of times in my life and I always wondered why they would write a song about such a dinky little town. Now I know. Thanks for the video.

[@denadear]

They are incredibly humble, because they are also legends!

[@SD9Driver]

Living the dream.

[@mccalltrader]

No..their name is literally doobie...them boys are just high af Nah, they cool!

[@rbk7876]

That's why it's called Classic Rock, these are some classy rockers ! 👍

[@chiajon6397]

My dad was a big Doobie Brothers fan and he would play The Captain and Me for hours. I remember staring at the album cover while those opening riffs of China Grove would come out of the speakers and wonder where the cover photo was taken. There is a road in Houston where the overpass kinda looks like the one on the album and I always think of the Doobies and my dad.

[@owengrubbs4050]

I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Johnston after a show in Richmond, VA a few years ago. I said, "Tom, I just want to say, the first time I heard China Grove, I was 14 years old, I knew that learning that riff and playing electric guitar and rock and roll is what I wanted to do more than anything, and I just want to say thank you for that, and for the joy your music has brought to me all these years. He smiled and shook my hand and said, "That's my job."

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Great to hear Tom and Pat weigh in on this! For me, as a guitar and bass player in rock bands in the 70’s, this was (and to my mind, still is) the Doobies’ all time greatest hit. Every band I gigged with covered this tune. Every audience went wild when we played it. You can’t get away with playing Stairway down at your local Guitar Center, but if you plug a Les Paul into a Fender Twin Reverb, crank the reverb and the overdrive up to 10 and hit that opening riff, you’ll see grins all around you. Just my experience, YMMV.

[@brianogden9023]

Saw them three times in concert over the years always great. 🎶🎵🎶

[@deborahmcham7895]

I love the Doobie Brothers!!!! I have seen them twice in concert! Great band!!!❤❤❤❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🙌🇺🇸😊😊

[@williamslifko4222]

Saw the Doobie Brothers in concert in 1974 and that concert still remains the best concert I've ever seen. They are nearly a constant on my car stereo and at home. Hands down my all-time favorite band.

[@michaelrochester48]

Eyes of silver is always to me my favorite Doobie brothers song. One of the greatest acoustic then electric boogie song ever

[@sdcebs]

I love that song too, not many know it but it’s one of their best. Just saw them 2 weeks in NJ- they played it and it was amazing !

[@lionheartroar3104]

I tired of The Eagles, but The Doobies will always sound fresh to my ears

[@caryd67]

The Captain and Me by the Doobies is my “desert island record”. I’ve listened to it since ‘73, and I know it pretty intimately. I’ve always loved the album not just for the songs, but the way they were recorded. Donn Landee did an incredible job at the console; everything sounds crisp and perfect. Guitars, John’s drums (especially that dry snare), Tiran’s bass.. it all just sounds so good. Ted Templeman produced the record.

[@howardjohny]

the production was astounding for that time period Ted Templeman- genius

[@re20bt]

I was working a dead-end office job in Tokyo. One night, I’m enjoying my noodles quite late after work and this older gentleman approaches me with his colleague. Anyway, over a couple of beers we get to talking and he asks if I want to hit the town. Next thing I know we’re in a cab going into the nightclub district - however, we pull left early and go down some dodgy back alley. I started questioning my decision! We pull up outside some nondescript building and travel up several floors into this tiny bar. Myself, the older gentleman and his colleague accompanying me get stuck into the whisky. I was thinking how on earth I was going to afford this Nikka 18yr bottle - the older gentlemen proclaims that he in fact owns the bar and refused payment. You won’t believe this - he asks me if I like karaoke. Can’t say I’m the biggest fan but at this point it would be rude not to. He has a full stage / mini studio set up and asks me to pick a song. He then asks me to put on a glitter jacket. I couldn’t make this up. So, naturally I chose China Grove. Get this - a friend of his plugs in a freakin’ guitar and starts the opening riff! We rocked it. Stranger than fiction but man what a night!

[@IanPatrickOfficial]

Sounds like an incredible night, you may have entered into, "THE TWILIGHT ZONE" Doo do do do dood dodo....lol

[@johnmcaleese8459]

@@IanPatrickOfficial I was getting the same sense !!

[@johnmcaleese8459]

That sounds more like you cats were jamming compared to karaoke. Sounds like (no doubt it was), thrilling !!

[@cesarbaca]

This is an amazing story🤟🏽 Love it

[@beezlbubba]

My daughter would kill to go to Japan.

[@donnaspears1970]

My memories of China Grove and The Doobie Brothers. This song came out when my oldest daughter was less than 1 year old. Great memories. I loved them back then, and I still do.

[@johnypitman2368]

One of my favorite bands, makes me very happy to see how good they look, they have always had their stuff together and they still have the passion. Makes them some kind of special

[@Markus_Andrew]

China Grove and Smoke On The Water are probably the first riffs any aspiring rock guitarist learns 😁

[@mickeyf3730]

I recently found an old family Christmas picture with me holding the Captain & Me album in one hand and drum sticks in the other hand. I was freaking out that I got both my favorite album and a drum set that Christmas Day! Dreams do come true!! Man, those were the days!

[@conanrobison6118]

The Captain and Me has got to be the epitome of the perfect album. Hard hitting rock, slower, thoughtful songs, and each song is about the perfect length for the album format. It’s one of my all-time favorites. I used to go to church dances as a teenager, and hoped the band knew China Grove and LongTrain Running.

[@xJRx77]

Love these guys! Just saw them last November here in NY. Still sounding great! Genuine, and not all full of themselves, crowd pleasers to the end!

[@jimbeam2501]

👍🏻 I’ve always enjoyed singing along to Black Water.

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

Starting higher learning at 18 years of age in '73 every good bar with live sound you would soon hear China Grove, We're an American Band, Ziggy Stardust, BTR. Those were the days!

[@jameskonkle7794]

My all time favourite band.

[@sentuljazz875]

I worked in a restaurant This song was in the background as i rushed around setting up the place for the lunch crowd . Thanks doobies.

[@scottday6520]

I heard China Grove and Long Train Running my senior year of high school. I bought the album (actually an 8 track) The Captain and Me and my lifelong love of the Doobies was born. I have everything they ever recorded since.

[@MikeS-48]

Great interview, was great to hear the story of a classic song!

[@danielkbarton]

Great episode! The Doobie Brothers and their music are definitely part of all us who grew up in the 70's and 80's. It'll always be with us.

[@IvanLendl87]

Tommy and Pat are such cool people and awesome songwriters. So many great Doobie Brothers songs - I'd love to hear more about "Black Water" and "Toulouse Street".

[@ToddSauve]

Please get Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons to explain the origins of "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman." It is my all time favourite Doobies song and I am dying to hear what inspired them to write it. It is just such beautiful blues guitar playing that it made my hair stand on end the first time I ever heard it. Maybe that explains why I'm bald now! Ha, ha! 😎😎😎

[@danielgouge4639]

China Grove is in Bexar County in Texas east of San Antonio. I'm glad to finally know which China Grove was the inspiration for the song. I have also driven past China Grove, NC which was one of the first U.S. towns to have free rural mail delivery. I find it inspiring that they toured with a Winnebago. I have a 1976 Dodge Superior motorhome so I can understand the challenges. It shows their drive to become known. I loved the Dolly Parton clip. She knows good music. When I was a teenager I got the note for note guitar tab cassette tapes that were advertised in the rock guitar magazines. I only had enough money to choose about 3 artists and I chose the Doobie Bros it had the song China Grove which I found to be a nice challenge. Back then you took those tapes listened and wrote out the tab. It was accurate though. I appreciate the time everyone took to make this interview. The more I learn brings me closer to the music when I hear it.

[@mackeymedia]

Genius, love that classic. My band still plays China Grove in 2020

[@SamanthaMunitz]

'China Grove' is one of my top 5 favs by the Doobie Brothers. But, the one album that holds dear to me that my grandfather introduced me to will always be "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits". I adore that album! From 1974, I think. I'd love to hear interviews about the making of that entire album.

[@usmcfutball]

I spell high school 'c-h-i-n-a g-r-o-v-e'. That guitar killed me back in the day. Glad to see Tom smiling. Great video. Thanks!

[@richsackett3423]

"China Grove" was one of the first five songs my first band learned in 1979. Sounds like we weren't alone.

[@robertspina2702]

I’ve been following the great Doobie Brothers since I was 16. I first saw them while I was attending Arizona State University. I had a single seat right in front of the stage. As soon as they started rocking I was up on my feet rocking and kept standing and playing my air guitar. I turned around to see the whole crowd behind me were just “sitting on their hands!” I yelled to the whole crowd behind me to get up and start rocking!! Weird, but they just sat there! I’m in my 60’s and playing guitar and still rocking to all the tremendous music this great band has made, so many great songs!!!

[@Mike-dk7wj]

A friend introduced me to the Doobies in 1973 with China Grove, one of the very greatest of rock songs by one of the very greatest of rock groups. That and more was before Michael Mcdonald. |I'll say no more.

[@findJLF]

Those guys look so chilled and like they'd be great to hang out with. Lovely interview.

[@lawrencemora2862]

I loved the Doobie Brothers back in the 70s. I was stationed at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo and had the opportunity to ride my motorcycle trough China Grove on the was to Key West. It was cool because I was looking for Mrs Perkins, never did see her, but it was cool... Still love the Doobies, thanks for the music and memories guys!

[@milehighed52801]

Great road tune! Just like in Field of Dreams. One of my fav DB songs along with Without You and South City Midnight Lady. All from the same album (The Captain and Me), which was a great road album. I had it on an 8 track player with great speakers that made it sound great cranked up. Oh the looks I got from blasting those awesome tunes driving my 1970 Camaro Z28! Ha!!! Also, I have to mention another great road song, Rockin Down the Highway. It was all so awesome! Rock on Doobies, rock on!!!

[@kyliepollert8341]

The song has also been influenced in country music, particularly as a duet with Chris Young on their 2014 "Southbound" duets album, as well as the guitar riff to Kenny Chesney's recent #1 hit, "Here and Now". I saw The Doobies in concert with Journey and Dave Mason a couple years ago, and they were excellent!

[@songswithryan]

4:02 Should've known it was Bill Payne playing piano on that track. Obviously his Little Feat keyboard parts are the stuff of legend and he's done other session work as well. Everything he touches turns to gold.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Two Class Acts from a Great band.

[@edgarp66]

Shoot when i think doobie brothers i think black water. Or minute by minute. Love the doobies. Such a variety of styles!!

[@davidwise3426]

Great interview, love that group, soundtrack of the '70s.

[@davidellis5141]

The 🎸 on China Grove is incredible. What a riff ! 😎

[@circlesthesun]

I was an usher at a DB concert at the Sports Arena in San Diego when Black Water was released. It was pre Mike McDonald. The power of the band over the audience was memorable. Memorable to hear their sound check too rehearsing Black Water. Memorable to be back stage after the show. It seemed each band member had their own limo. I was 18-years old. I'll never forget bassist Tiran Porter's limo was filled with gorgeous females. I'll never forget him knodding and smiling at me as he drove off. I often wondered what happened that night to him. I'm a DB lifetime fan. I'm sharing from Las Vegas, NM.

[@flavellinator]

One of the best guitar intros ever! Completely recognizable within a second or two...

[@sliceahlife]

We used to cruise around, truly buzzed, in South Kensington and Chelsea in the early 70s with The Captain and Me blasting on the 8-track... summer of '73 in London was pure magic and China Grove was always on the playlist.

[@letsleepingdogslie2492]

We entered the talent show in high school and we played Long Train Running! We were just learning so we were new to the business and we all had egos and argued a lot among ourselves. Finally got it going went out there and won third place. They gave us one small trophy to share with four members. We drew cards to see who would keep it. Never played together again. To pick up a brand new album of the Doobie Bro already knowing this is greatness and will withstand the test of time! So many artist to keep up with at that time, totally amazing!

[@trentongrandy5651]

When I was in High School in the 1980's, and just learning how to play a drum set, one of my favorite pieces we used to play in band class was called the "Doobie Brothers Medley". It started out with "Long Train Runnin", then go into "Listen to the Music" and finally ended with "China Grove"! I would love to find the sheet music for that arrangement again. Anyway, to this day when I hear those songs it brings back such great memories of High School!

[@Videolandexpress]

Saw them 1979 at the Palladium NYC. Met Pat before the show and posed with me and my friend for a picture. Before Instagram of course. Very cool and laid back. 15 minutes later Micheal walked by really quick going inside to backstage. I manage to say Good luck with the show and he waved and said thanks. Then there was a great show on top of that. Man what a great night. Footnote: Saw Queen at MSG the next nighty with its full blown stage act. Another great night. But sorry, clapping and singing along to Black Water in a 3000 seater was too magical to beat..

[@G1951-w1y]

I was there in San Antonio that night. Joe Freeman Coliseum. I always tied that concert to the town of China Grove about 30 miles east on their next album. Subliminal as it may be. 4-5 acts that night, $1.00 admission put on by the greatest radio station of all time in south central Texas, KEXL. Rest in piece Skip De' Sharm, Ron Houston, all the KEXL DJ's.

[@Mike_Nowlan]

The Doobie Brothers and Steve Miller was my second concert my dad brought me to in 2009 and they’ve always been one of my favorite bands ever since

[@Jennifer-qv8rq]

Love Doobie Brothers....would love to hear the story on Black Water. My favorite of their tunes:-)

[@markrussell.]

I can hear 1/8 second of the start of this Iconic Rock song and know what it is, truly a Rock Masterpiece.

[@karenspencer9255]

I love the song China Grove..i drove to the town, which is east of San Antonio, because of the Doobie Brothers song and took a snapshot of myself infront of the sign! So glad i did. Also fav, Real Love...many others too!!

[@nelsonmaud1]

one of my all time favorite groups i loves jesus is just alright and black water myself but anything of theres cant go wrong

[@brandyyellow]

Thanks , great piece, group saved my sanity in 60's and 70's. Many thanks to all who made it possible .

[@jerryrangel4490]

One of my favorite songs China Grove.. & long train run.. I don’t live too far from there.. Texas the best state 👍🏼

[@johnrambo7630]

Awesome episode. First concert i went to was the doobie brothers...what a start to a lifetime of live rock!

[@pamburkey6252]

Love these guys!! My all time favorite is Wheels of Fortune! 👍👍🙌

[@gmartin474]

I remember seeing the Doobie Brothers at the Miami Hollywood Sportatorium during the 70's What Were Once Vices Tour and some girl was Streaking, She Jumped on Stage and Kissed All the Band Members. Security Even Helped Her Exit The Stage Back Into The Sold Out Crowd. Everybody At The Concert Went CRAZY Cheering and Clapping. As ALWAYS That Was A GREAT Doobie Brothers Concert!!!

[@cattycorner8]

You never knew what the Doobies were gonna come out with next - but you count on a hit. Well crafted, tight songs. They must hold some kind of records for all the hits they have had. South City Midnight Lady is one of my favorites.

[@TheBigwheels11]

Born in 70. My first bands were the Doobie's, Toto and Journey. Love the Doobies. Listen to the Music, classic..What a fool believes might be their best. Also love Black water and Jesus is just alright. Rock on Doobies

[@gilbertodominguez5212]

I had a late friend who lived in Southeast San Antonio, where China Grove is located, and he was the only reason I went through the suburb. I don't think there is even a Chinese restaurant there. The town got its name from a grove of chinaberry trees near the town's railroad depot, neither of which exists today. The tune is catchy and the playing is great, but I ever cared much for the song or the Dobbie Brothers. If I had to pick one of their songs that I do like it would have to be Long Train Running. But I come from a different generation. I have heard China Grove many times but had never listened carefully to the lyrics and didn't know what they were singing about, but after reading the lyrics I can only say that Tom Johnston, or whomever, took a lot of literary license.

[@circleforalanding]

My favorite 70's rock band

[@peterhaslock7347]

I think China Grove was right next to Smoke on the Water when I was learning to play. I had a friend who was a better guitar player than I was and he played that song so many times with me, I heard it in my sleep. I have always loved the band. They were from a place that I dreamed of going to some day as a kid. The whole southern US thing was like a drug to me. One of my all time favorites beyond songs like China Grove and Long Train is South of the border. I confess to not liking them much when Mr. Mcdonald joined the band. It just wasn't them anymore. TJ or nothing for me.

[@achimtekath1940]

"China Grove" has a very pregnant guitar riff! Again a great contribution from you Adam!

[@guglielmo64]

Saw them open for Steve Miller twice and they were fantastic both times.

[@lanstarphoenix3998]

Grew up in sa and went to China grove because of that song passed that sign a 1000 times thx professor

[@markbouquet1316]

I was in 8th grade playing with guys 10 years older than me in a wedding band and school dances. At first this wasn't what i would have picked to play. That was until they gave me China Grove to learn first. I loved all the changes in that song but it never sounded too busy. And you need to know this was about 1978 and I was a Ted Nugent freak. Onee of the most underrated soloist's to have ever lived. But the solo in China Grove was written flawlessly. then I learned Jesus is Just Alright With Me, Long Train Runnin', and we had a guy who could rip on the harp! Ironically, the same guys turned me on to Steely Dan. We did Josie and Peg. Then about 23 years ago, I took my wife and 5 sons to Maui. We ge to this unbelievable hotel and we get out and I looked back for something. I've played with some well known artists but who do I see? I walk up to this guy [totally out of character for me by the way] and I saw the tweed case, the moustache, and just said, "Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter!"' He kinda of looked at me and I' said, "Learned some of your stuff when you were in Steely Dan. You probably took 10 years off of my life! But man, you made me a better player for it so thank you." Super laid back guy and was just very appreciative that I gave him his kudos. I remember asking him if he was playing here or have already played here. He had told me they had some classic rock show happening Saturday. My heart dropped as I looked at my wife and asked her. when was that realistic Luau you had to pre-pay for with no money back returns. She said Saturday. There was my wife and me and my 5 musician sons all paid for and this was a couple grand. I looked at Skunk and said, "You know you're killing me?" He was just such a great guy. He just laughed. I said if I had only known, there's nothing that would have kept me from that show. Man, regarding the Doobies again, I saw I think there were 3 original members of them opening for Journey maybe 3 years ago. They were awesome and it was like they never skipped a beat! They don't have artists like this anymore. sampled nonsense. In 2016 we were there again for a 4 day business conference and we had our kids fly in after this ended. I was sitting down to breakfast with my wife at a small two person table and as soon as i sat down I looked to my left and there sat Carlos Santana and his wife. What are the odds? My oldest thought he was someone famous but I know these people like their time too. I just told him, "I sure covered a lot of your material back in the day." He smiled and gave me a nod of appreciation. Nice to have seen you. Then I let he and his wife enjoy their meal. I just watched one of these videos on Heart too. I covered Barracuda from them. Once with a woman singer and once with a 49 year old man that can still nail that song. He doesn't miss a note. He's a freak of nature!

[@alvinoraigoza2720]

They were the first concert I saw them and Bob seager in 75 I remember they were a sold out show .and than about 15 years ago I flew in Las Vegas I was taking the train to get my luggage I was waiting for the train to leave I was the only one waiting and guess who walks on the whole band walks on what's the odds of that happening it was in the middle of the afternoon I looked at them and just smiled that just said hello I'll never forget it .my friends didn't believe me till they seen them get into a limo and drive off . what a class act .

[@scottmckenna9164]

Doobie bros. Got me through being the state director of my church in Oklahoma circa 1988. (It keeps you running)

[@dldave1978]

Great episode....always nice to escape in to a story about a classic, unforgettable song! Thanks!

[@Texeq]

China Grove, what can you say? All over the radio in 1973 and part of my teenage DNA, but thats not the only amazing bit, The rest of the story is what it was being played back to back with; Reelin In The Years, Space Oddity, The Joker, Smokin In The Boys Room, Mr. Skin, Daniel, That Lady, Love Train, Superfly, Brother Louie, Frankenstein, Diamond Girl, Why Can't We Live Together, Oh Babe What Would You Say.....incredible looking back now....

[@MrSeanwick1969]

2 favs from the Doobie Bros...Black Water and Without You. Couldn't get into Michael McDonald years.

[@bp5009]

Cool to hear the story behind the name of the song "China Grove". I always thought it might be about a china town area in a big city, like Dallas, San Fran. Or New York.

[@kevinhuether9038]

Was in San Antonio on business and made a quick run out to China Grove. Took a photo by the city limits sign. Love the Doobs.

[@814Taylor]

My friend played in a rock band called Tammer Laine in the 90's but when we were kids in 1978 , He played China Grove over and over again on a Gibson L6 - S