The Doobie Brothers - What A Fool Believes (REACTION)

[@benjammin7729]

Michael is actually super respected. Just saw the Doobies, still sound great, and you could feel the reverence for him from the crowd and band.

[@kathybwell]

Ahh, you got to see them live?! Where? Bet it was a fantastic show!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I'm so glad I got to see the Doobies before Michael McDonald joined the group.

[@Sennen999]

Sweet Freedoms a great tune too!!

[@christarpley6861]

I didn't realize that they were still together

[@benjammin7729]

@@kathybwell In Palm Springs at our new arena

[@SebsBeenHere]

I swear this is just one of the greatest songs ever man, the doobie brothers were on another level

[@TheDive25]

yes sir. This one of my favorite songs ever.. It's almost like heaven. That chorus kicks in and it's just pop orgasm.. pardon me.. or prayer..

[@traceyleeherrera5247]

i was a little, little girl when this song came out, it stirs my emotions, i feel happy and heartbroken at the same time, hopeful and longing from one moment to the next 💞

[@loupi4bama]

Some people made fun of me because of my love for Michael McDonald's voice but man, he is still one of my all-time faves! Yes, do Minute by Minute!

[@Grizazzle]

McDonald is a LEGEND in the music industry, you have nothing to feel bad about.

[@leonardwashington6456]

Who's making fun of you for liking his voice? You don't need that type of negativity in your life!

[@loupi4bama]

@@leonardwashington6456 I found new friends that appreciate music. Was pretty simple.

[@loupi4bama]

@@GrizazzleThat happened decades ago. I've never felt bad about it. I just found new friends.

[@scottwachter6128]

I love it, guys. Takin’ it to the Streets is another great one. There’s a killer live version out there.

[@christarpley6861]

This was my favorite song by them

[@jml-rj5re]

Michael McDonald was in Steely Dan on the Pretzel Logic tour and the album Katy Lied. He also sang backup on Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Dukes of September!!! They should hit some of those.

[@deaniegarcia5694]

Saw Steely Dan with Boston at Rob Gym in UC Santa Barbara summer of 1974…Michael McDonald sang backup and Jeff Pocaro on drums with the Dan.. man, what a concert!

[@kennyjones6369]

Lol.. every time I hear the Doobies I think of Raj saying “What Doobie, you be” and of course the line “Im going to jail because of a fat kid eating popcorn 🍿”

[@Dan-yz4qz]

Bob Segar had that soulful voice too

[@ronhunt9396]

Great band , song , times. McDonald definitely has a unique voice

[@kathybwell]

Ya'll familiar with this groovy band - did you know they're from the Bay Area? Original members are from Loma Prieta, which is in the Santa Cruz mountains. Love this song too, such a groove!

[@TheDivayenta]

I went to Leigh High in San Jose with Pat! Even got to jam with him at 17.

[@debbiemccain5850]

Please do I Keep Forgettin!!🎶🎤🎸🎵 Micheal McDonalds voice is one of the best and his duet with Patti LaBelle, "On My Own", will make you so emotional!!🎶💙

[@ivanalaff5346]

“Eargasm”; indeed!

[@AirplayBeats]

Indeed!!

[@TheDive25]

@@AirplayBeats pop candy floss.. for sure.. I could never hear this song enough.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

The guy with the mustache you're referring to is Jeff skunk Baxter! He played on the first couple of Steely Dan albums with Denny Dias also playing lead. He quit the Dan and then joined the Doobie Brothers. Most people would need twenty lifetimes to get into one band as good as Steely Dan, skunk Baxter was so good ,that he got into a second band The Doobie Brothers!!! That man can play!!!

[@jml-rj5re]

The guy in the back with the mustache is Patrick Simmons. Skunk is front left with the sunglasses. Former guitarist for Steely Dan. MM was in Steely Dan, so after Skunk left Steely Dan to join the Doobie Brothers, when Tom Johnston became ill, Skunk recruited Michale McDonald to joint the Doobies.

[@blwarren63]

I’ll never forget working on the rooftop of a 3 story building in Seaside FL. Look over and see Michael McDonald hanging out on the roof next door having a drink and getting some some. He raised his glass and gave me a nod. It was surreal.

[@827dusty]

You have just begun to realize the greatness of this Band from the early 70s to the late 80s . One of the Best Bands that could crossover from Rock to R&B to Country Rock to Blues. Here are a few of their best songs. "Listen to The Music," (their first hit in "72") "Long Train Running" "Black Water," China Grove," and many more.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Dude, the Doobie Brothers rivaled Steely Dan as the best fusion/pop/rock/blues group of the 70s. I prefer Steely, but I will never say no to the Doobies.....with a doobie?

[@stevemd6488]

Mike McDonald co wrote this with Kenny Loggins, but I hear a lot of Donald Fagen/Steely Dan in the arrangement. Just supposition on my part. Great song in any event, was a huge hit.

[@chrissiler6075]

3 drummers, 3 guitar player, bass was tight, Mike and Cornellus on keys. I LOVED this version of the band, OMG.

[@olly8]

I saw them in 1973. They had 3 drummers, amazed me as I watched them play in sync on specific melodies. They were positioned with 2 drummers on stage floor, center dummer up higher. Arm movements were exactly the same. Beating in unison. Twirling sticks in the same groove. WOW! I was mesmerized and blew my mind. That was the original Doobie Brothers. Surprisingly they continued having 3 drummers over the years. Love them before Michael M. and as much with him. 2 different sounds, both GREAT!!

[@metaphoria3]

They record w 3 drummers?

[@trk327]

​@@metaphoria3no. At most two.

[@FUBAR1986]

Wow, this took me back to a place in my life… wish I was there in that time and place right now.. great great great music

[@realbser1956]

There’s a YT channel called Sanborn Seasions featuring the music of sax legend David Sanborn and guests who jam out with him and his band at his home studio in NY. There’s an episode featuring Michael. It’s fairly recent and the song you want to check out is Find It In Your Heart. You’ll dig the studio setup and although Michael can’t hit those high notes like he once used to, his soulful voice still shines through. I think you both will like it very much. Great listen again. Thanks.

[@richardwisneski6381]

Hey hey hey! Thanks for the “What’s Happening” reference. Unlocked some memories there! Keep up the good work.

[@michaelakkerman407]

Real Love...is one of my favorite Doobies with Michael singing.

[@georgetaxi8179]

Former Steely Dan Guitarist Jeff "Skunk Baxter once said that Steely Dan severely underused McDonald and said it was the biggest waste of talent. So he recruited McDonald and his career took off.

[@redeemedrhytms]

It seems like the name Jeff has a big significance in Michael’s career. Jeff Porcaro got him to Steely Dan, then after that, Jeff Baxter brought him to Doobie.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Yup, that record was an instant classic, its unique rhythmic sound was copied by other artists. One of my favorite songs. I'm glad you guys have such good memories of it.

[@francesmartinez2708]

I just love Michael Mcdonald ❤️. His voice is just so smooth and soulful. The Doobie Brothers just love them. Michael is so underrated as a vocalist. He's one of my faves. Minute by Minute is one of my favorite songs.

[@thorzzz1z]

I thought for about 20 years, till I actually saw the lyrics, he sang, a wise man has a problem

[@TheDive25]

no wise man has the power.. to reason away..

[@bluecalix]

This is one of those rare songs where their perfect pop craftsmanship meets perfectly deep lyrics meets perfect performances. A plus all around. And also ... "WHICH DOOBIE YOU BE?"

[@stevedotwood]

Someone once descibed it as "a voice wrapped in velvet" - I thought that was a good description. (and he sang with Steely Dan too)

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Michael McDonald has a great voice.

[@jdog6620]

hahahaha!!!! your comment about ‘What’s Happening’ with the Doobies had me rollin!!! 😂😂😂 That’s a great episode and Doobies always reminds me of that. Re-run jumping and the recorder falls out.🤣🤣🤣

[@davethewave62]

Long Haired dude is Jeff “Skunk” Baxter from Steely Dan along with Michael McDonald also from Steely Dan!

[@kjisnot]

I think when Tom Johnston left the Doobies the band was in some disarray. McDonald wasn't a full timer having toured doing backing vocals and piano. They were plinking around in the studio. Someone asked Mike if he had any music. It seems like he started singing and playing Takin It To The Streets and they were blown away by the tune and Mike's lead vocal abilities. They knew they had something going.

[@edwardcrews2952]

Takin It To The Streets is a banger

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

In the late 70s/early 80s, Michael McDonald was everywhere! You couldn’t listen to an hour of radio without SOME McDonald project coming on. Not that I’m complaining as I’ve always loved his voice.🖖🏼

[@johnharkness7114]

A song of deep dramatic irony

[@mikeloomis687]

Michael sang back up for Steely Dan. His voice and talent was so outstanding that Gary Katz (SD Producer) as well as Don and Walt said to him that he was "too good to remain as a back up singer" and to venture out on his to find his own success and went to the Doobies. Michael has said he was already in the BEST band in the world, but that move changed music and the Doobies.

[@doncapito3465]

Doobie brother Jeff skunk Baxter also played guitar on a bunch of Steely Dan songs .

[@kevinhodgins1811]

Just saw these guys live the other night. Played 25 songs over a 2.5 hour period. Not bad for a bunch of dudes in the mid-70s, eh? They looked and sounded fantastic!!! So glad I got to see them before their touring days are over.

[@ploppill34]

Oh, damn, when Rerun dropped the cassette recorder right in front of the Doobie Brothers😂😂😂😂

[@AirplayBeats]

😂

[@swurvegirl1978]

My feel good song! This song is perfection with the harmonies, instrumentation, all around 🔥🔥 When the clapping comes in, you just want to get up and dance 😁

[@cptight88]

This group went thru a couple lineup changes, both good. This is the later, straight pop end of things; "Long Train Runnin'", "Jesus is Just Alright With Me" and "Takin It to the Streets" (among others) from early to mid 70s is more funk-rock end.

[@MadisonD941]

I prefer pre Michael McDonald for Doobie Brothers. I appreciate his talent, just prefer the sound of the before him.

[@michaelyork4554]

Been listening to The Doobies since the 70's, and when Michael came in He changed the Vocal Landscape, just like Steve Perry, or Freddie. Listen to "Burning Sky" from Bad Company!

[@chriswiedeman2956]

Yeah, it was "Rerun" hiding the tape deck under his coat, too. That takes me back : )

[@John_Chu]

Obviously Ray Charles was a huge influence on Michael McDonald's vocal stylings but McDonald's affinity for soul music and R&B probably comes from the fact he grew up in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. Yes, that Ferguson.

[@chrissimon9879]

I clearly remember that What’s Happening episode. Loved that show.

[@827dusty]

Two members of The Doobies played on a few different Stealy Dan albums. Guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Keyboard and vocalist Michael McDonald, from this video. Thank guys

[@jimmoore8951]

A little NorCal love (I’ll ignore your Laker swag). We would all be singing along with the Doobies then Michael would hit the falsetto and we would just say, “whoa.” A very underrated Tiran Porter on bass (lower right on album cover).

[@marlasotherchannel9847]

Super. A great song by the Doobie Brothers is "Another Park, Another Sunday"from 1974.

[@stevem-h3562]

A fabulous timeless track. Man, I lived those lyrics for decades. That shit happened to me. Or rather, I inflicted it on myself for too long. Took me the best part of thirty years to wake up to it as well. What seemed to be was always better than nothing. Just goes to show what some of us think love does to us.

[@mackbeasley526]

Two of the Doobies had a history with STEELY DAN, McDonald of course and Skunk Baxter.

[@mrmockatoo6786]

You're right about the eargasm. What a great band...so many fantastic songs with sweeping harmonies and crisp arrangements. By the way, "the black dude" is the bass player.

[@blackwolf6082]

This is their later DB. Tom Johnston was the voice of them early on

[@chazfromtheburg]

When music transcends generations you know it's great. Love you guys.

[@somersetcace1]

Great reaction to a great classic. And yes, it should be on any all time greatest list imo. What the song is about though, is really kind of a tragic story. I always envisioned it as a man and a woman running into each other somewhere, who had a brief history at some point years back. The woman barely remembers the guy, whereas the guy always thought they would end up together and that their brief affair meant something more than it did. He tries to get things going and she basically shuts him down but he refuses to see it. "as he rises to her apology, anybody else would surely know. He's watching her go...What a fool believes."

[@mikeloomis687]

BEST opening line in any song, ever written. "He came from somewhere in her long ago". Chills.

[@ericoh123]

The Doobies and Three Dog Night have always had such deep and wide-varied discographies; rock music that consistently became pop hits from one end of their bands' genre spectrum to the other. Beatles also come to mind

[@angelagoodwin5758]

I could listen to Mr. McDonald sing all day long!! Just wondering if you fellas would one day react to Ambrosia, another great 70s/80s soft-rock/r&b band with bangers like "Holdin' On To Yesterday, "You're the Only Woman". and possibly their biggest hit, (no pun intended), "Biggest Part of Me".

[@aldolagana7126]

"the wise man has the power...to reason away...what a fool believes"

[@anitapaulus937]

This takes me back to 1980, Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater. I got to see them, and they were who I always listened to at the time. They were so good! Don’t forget “Taken it to the Street”

[@markd4926]

Awe yeah

[@AjaxCaper]

You guys I just watched a vocals-only of this song, LIVE, and I was blown away by how gorgeous it was. I'll link, but in the next comment, in case it gets taken it down. It was an account called Voceux.

[@rr4739]

Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter guitarist is in the band who also played in Steely Dan record and the Doobie Brothers during the 1970s.

[@waregl72]

Normally I want to see people's 1st reactions to songs. This song though, I will watch every time no matter whether it is their first time hearing it or not. As a 50-year-old this is exactly what you described it as. Nostalgia. Love it guys.

[@franksorrentino9698]

The song and album won a few Grammys too. Great choice fellas! They’re my favorite band of all time.

[@BermGang]

When Rerun dropped that recorder they were hurt lol. The song they were practicing was Takin it to the streets. I'll never forget that

[@hollysmith9979]

Michael McDonald has had professional singers discusse his voice going from baritone to falsetto with ease and it's a very difficult to do...he has a phenomenal voice and the band is amazing...love your reactions❤❤

[@NoName-ok8bq]

This is the very first song i ever heard by the doobie brothers and i was playing gta 5 and turn on rock radio

[@michaeldooley6804]

Dude I was cracking up when you brought up What’s Happening 😂 Back in like 94 in film class in high school we made a flick and had the scene from the Doobies coming back into the diner to bust those guys playing on the tv in the background. Best episode ever!!

[@AirplayBeats]

My favorite episode!!!

[@suecook1326]

But the Doobie's masterpiece song was Black Water before MM joined up! It's the greatest!!

[@1bigrowdy]

Michael did a video duet with Patti LaBelle that won video production awards back in the MTV hayday. Awesome song as well

[@sherel1970]

This hot damn song, oh my goodness I love this song, how did I ever forget this one! Haven’t heard this in years❤

[@stephenperkins5644]

Doobie Brothers are icons they have been together for over 50 years .

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

"They should have named this song Eargasm!" I couldn't agree more. Just transcendent. One of those Best Song Ever-s, every time I hear it.

[@guillermomartinez2339]

For me this brings back memories when I was in first grade getting ready for school...every morning we would turn radio on and remember hearing this song and many another great ones

[@raycewilliams3300]

This era with Michael McDonald defines the Doobie Brothers to me. He has such a unique voice. In the 1980s he showed up in a lot of places even on backkup vocals with Steely Dan. There are a few absolute classics from this era and this song along with tracks like "Lowdown" by Boz Scaggs defined that era.

[@denisemangan1413]

Yeah that voice and a great band🇦🇺🙏🇺🇸❤️

[@darrylmccants7280]

There’s so much to say about this song, from that Bass Line that you hear throughout, the keyboards, the Background Vocals were insane, even the Hand Claps were infectious. When i’am in the mood to Cruise in my Car just to clear my head, and play some Jams i would add this one to the playlist. There is nothing better then hearing Music that just speaks to you down to your core. A lot of today’s music is missing something, and whenever you hear an Artist go back to that 70’s sound you feel yourself go back in time. I’am talking about the people who heard this when it first came out, and loved it from the start. We are so glad that people get it, and are feeling it the way we did back then.

[@G_Demolished]

In the movie Romancing The Stone, Michael Douglas’ character had fled the country to South America running from the law. When he meets Kathleen Turner’s character, she has an American newspaper. It’s his first chance in years to see what’s happened at home so he tears through it silently scanning all the headlines. Then he yells “SONOFABITCH, The Doobie Brothers broke up!?!?”

[@The_OneManCrowd]

That four-part harmony absolutely SLAYS!

[@darlenebanks1368]

I had the pleasure of seeing him when he was back in St. Louis in 2004 at Riverport. Michael along with Average White Band, and Hall and Oates

[@davespear6662]

Doobie Brothers "It's Keep You Running" showcases his voice the best!

[@ednicholson7839]

I saw Michael McDonald perform this with Thundercat at the Hollywood Bowl a year or two before the pandemic. The opening act for P-Funk! Great show.

[@brandonchristopher2493]

That head starts shaking back n forth you know it’s a banger.

[@A1since1976]

The brother sitting up front with the hat / plays all those funky bass lines on all their hits ! He and four of the other players are great vocalists in their own right ! Put all this talent together along with Michael Mcdonald / you have something very very special! Thank you Airplay Beats for putting all the music out there along with your reactions ! Very enjoyable to see you appreciate a lot of the good music out there! Continue to enlighten !

[@drohegda]

This song won in 1980 #1 song of the year and #1 record of the year. Such Fantastic talent and harmonious voices.❤👍🎸🎼🎹

[@tjt21]

Yes!!!! I remember that episode of Whats happening,too! Rog calls to get The Doobie Brothers to play at, if I remember correctly, their high school dance. When they answer the phone, he says, "I do be Roger Thomas, who do be this?!" I'll never forget that line! Classic!!

[@CodyWorkshops]

Blue eyed soul. Great stuff. I dig watching you guys discover and rediscover this great music. It's especially great to watch your faces when you hear the same Steely Dan chords that choked the breath out of me the first time. Keep doing what you doing!!!

[@michaeltveten8458]

Love this band! Time-capsule worthy.

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

This takes me back too. Thank you! We are all in this together.

[@kimberleyphillips6671]

My very 1st concert. It was stadium seating and we ran for our lives to get up close, so worth it. Lol

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

Nobody has a voice like Michaels ❤

[@geoffsullivan7902]

The harmony…….yum…..did you know Michael did backing vocals for Steely Dan and Toto? Duet with Patti Labelle too. He worked with a lot of people. The Doobies have a rabbit hole worth visiting for sure! ❤️🎼❤️

[@AirplayBeats]

Yea we found out by doing the Steely Dan reactions.

[@geoffsullivan7902]

@@AirplayBeats awesome ! ✅

[@rosemarypugliese2984]

One of the most recognizable voices out there, loved him behind Steely Dan, in the Doobies, and his later Motown work

[@harish71]

all Rerun bootlegged was him eating popcorn Sweet daddy had to go to jail for that haha

[@willlong8942]

Michael McDonald performed the National Anthem acapella at an NBA Finals one year. One of the best renditions you'll ever hear.

[@TheDivayenta]

The greatness! Michael wrote this with Kenny Loggins. Doobies encompass so many styles- fusion, country, pop, Americana, funk, etc. Great taste, fellas!

[@MamawT65]

I was 13 years old and my brother come home on leave from the army and brought me a Doobie Brothers album and my musical journey changed forever! Thank you for the reaction and the memories!

[@martincaz7772]

0:23 "This is our first doobie" ??? hilarious

[@veadairavani5692]

I wore this album out!! This song stands the test of time! I would love for you to react to their greatest hits album. Like, each song in order.

[@billcopeland581]

Saw these boys in high school when they released this album, then a year or two later. Everyone played at the Aladdin in Vegas. Each time Skunk played his guitar in a recliner with a beer on a table beside him. Essence of cool.