If you were a teenager in the 70's, you didn't cruise without listening to the Doobies!

Black Water, China Grove and Listen To The Music. All mandatory Doobies songs.

Patrick Simmons, a co-founder of the group, and the only consistent member through the years, composed and sings lead on this masterpiece.

My favorite Doobie's song. I love the blend of genres, the instruments used, the southern Creole summer night it evokes, and the beautiful a cappella section. I have really great memories tied to this song.

Memories! I'm a teenager again! Cruising with a cassette playing (made while listening to the radio in my room ... Waiting on my favorite song to play) with all of the popular bands ... BTO, Eagles, Foghat, Ted Nugent, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, Outlaws, Black Oak Arkansas, Charlie Daniels, Fleetwood Mac, Heart etc, etc ... And the list goes on! Without a doubt, the 70's had the most talent and absolutely best bands. As a whole ... They kick today's "music" azz!

A viola is basically an “alto” violin. Violin is the highest pitched of this string family, viola is lower, then cello, then double-bass (or “stand-up” bass).

The "Bayou Fiddle" in "Black Water" was played by Novi Novog. It's actually a viola, and she was only 17 when she did it! The Viola produces lower notes than the Violin but not as low as the Cello.

Its like they are subtlely trying to show you what badass musicians they are❤

This song was probably my first introduction to the Doobie Brothers! I've loved them since. Great reaction 💖🦋

“Another Park, Another Sunday” is a great Doobies song ♥️🎼🎤🎸♥️ He likes it, he really likes it!! 🔥

I raised my daughters around music. I remember harmonizing with them with this Song. "Honky Tonk, Honky-tonk.." Awesome memories! ❤

This song is one of the reasons my Doobie Brothers Greatest Hits CD is worn out. I saw them perform at ChicagoFest in ‘82 and also when they toured with Chicago ( the band) a few years back. They are still just as good live as they were back then. The guys really put on a show. To me they’re a mix of country, southern rock, rock, blues, and a little swamp rock. Loved your reaction.

They were often called the original “Yacht Rock” band. I’ll take a nice long vacation on that yacht because the black water was so giving and generous with great music.

This song has influences of folk, blues, country, but also flavors of honky tonk, dixieland, Cajun music. Music of the Deep South going back 150 years. All of these influences fused into Southern Rock, in the 60s and 70s, and also influenced what is known as Americana, and another genre; swamp rock. It mostly depends on who is writing the songs and what their families had listened to sometimes for generations. If there are multiple song writers collaborating with different influences and exposures then the occurrence for more complexity and diversity of music genre's can be expressed in bands like the Doobie Brothers. What blows me away is the Doobies have been touring a lot lately with Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnson, and Michael MacDonald taking turns sharing the spotlight, and sounding phenomenal together. Spoiler: I don't think you've discovered the Michael MacDonald era of the Brothers yet.

This genre-crossing song was _all over_ FM rock radio in the 1970s, fitting right in among heavier rock cuts. How can you not groove to this? Try "South City Midnight Lady" for a really relaxed Doobies track.

Saw them in 84',94',04' and in 2016 with Steely Dan still do that song and is still spot on. It California Rock. The Eagles, Jackson Brown. Cali rock

You're plumbing the depths of my high school years here, Salvo! I love this one.

I did see Doobie Brothers once. The song is longer in the concerts. LOL! Did you react to China Grove yet? It's a dangerous song to listen to while you're driving. Lead foot alert! ;)

Viola is a larger size, deeper tone violin - in an orchestra, they are sometimes considered lower echelon rhythm instrument

How could a person not love this ? The instruments, (including the viola),mimic the rhythmic, swaying dance of the “old, black water -Mississippi” Favorite Doobie song ever ❤

People who knew good music at that time knew the Doobies. So great. Some personal favorites: "The Doctor", "China Grove", "Takin' It to the Streets", "Jesus is Just Alright". They had a lot of good music.

I always loved this song, and I have to give a shout out to Novi Novog, who plays viola on this (and played viola and violin for lots of famous acts, like Prince). she is awesome in this song.

I am 44 and I have seen the Doobie Brothers in concert twice! They are still so full of energy. They sound amazing, even after all these years. Excellent band!

"This just warms my heart" ❤

The first time I saw the Doobie Brothers live in concert was in Memphis Tennessee and 1975. They were about the biggest thing on radio back in the day with Tom Johnson's driving vocals.

Old Doobies,and newer Doobies are equally awesome! Can't go wrong...

A viola is larger and deeper sounding than a violin. Great song and glad u like it . Loved doobies since the 70s.

When I was 24 years old I won front row tickets to see the Doobie Brothers off the radio station, and I couldn't find any contemporaries to go with me, because they didn't know who they were 😢😂❤ (It was an amazing concert)

Ah, fond memories. Enjoying a little 'inhalation libation' around a campfire and then everybody jumping in to sing the harmonies in Black Water. Mellow times my friends, mellow times.

The viola is similar to a violin, but slightly larger with a bit lower range. You might think of the violin as a soprano and the viola as an alto. A string quartet typically consists of first violin, second violin, viola and cello. A symphonic orchestra has whole sections of first and second violins, violas and cellos, as well as standing string basses. Along with harps and pianos, that makes up the string section of the orchestra.

The Doobie Brothers are still doing their 50th anniversary tour if they are coming near you go see them they still sound as good as they did 50 years ago I saw them last september and I'm lucky they are coming back to my area in october and I'm going again...

We used to sing that last part at the back of the bus on the way to school. Loved it.

Saw the Doobies in Sydney last month.JUST AWESOME !!!! Loved it.

This tune was the very first 45 I bought with my allowance in 1974. Still love it and the Doobies ❤

This song is crazy live with the audience participation and it goes a lot longer. This is when the Doobie Brothers were great. 80's DB is really a different band with not nearly the creativity and fun of the early stuff.

Thanks for the smiles!

So glad you liked this! I love seeing posts from the younger generation! All music genres influence the other. That's the beauty of music! Sitting here in Texas with Tornado warnings and baseball size hail LOVE FROM TEXAS!

You are so cute, love your little giggle. Adorable💋❤️

I was going to chime in about what a viola is, but someone beat me to it. Love this song and your reaction to it. Some more vintage Doobies for your reaction pleasure: China Grove Long Train Running Listen to the Music. I feel that you will really like all of these if you haven't reacted to them already.

Perfect "after the snow melts" song!!! 🎶🎼🎵🎸🥁🎹🎤🎙🎧😊😊

Totally agree..this Summer tune is not long enough.

I call it swamp rock. Can't get enough of it. Fogerty's "Born on the Bayou" and "I'll Put a Spell on You" are two more that give me swamp rock vibes. There's another one from Marc Broussard "Home". You need to check out all three if you haven't already done them.

Viola (pronounced vee-ola) looks like a violin and it's played like a violin but it's bigger than a violin. The four standard instruments of a symphony orchestra string section are, in ascending size order, violin, viola, cello, and contrabass. You probably know cello is played between the knees, and contrabass, a.k.a. double bass, a.k.a. bass viol, is played standing up.

It was so different with the chimes and a capella but well received. It was released ad a B side to Another LoneY Pak Another Sunday. Radio stopped playing th A side due a derogatory lyric about the medium, and played the B side instead, which became a massive hit!

1973 to 1978 was an incredible period of rock music. A peak, imo. I was between 11 and 16 years old at this time. 45 to 50 years later the music still holds up, and shines.

Please react to "Taking It To the Streets" by the Doobie Brother's. There is a live version from 1977 where Michael McDonald shreds the keys at the end, but you may want to do the studio version. Either one will be great!

The Doobie Brothers are one of my favorite bands! Another good "summer" song is by Seals and Crofts, "Summer Breeze"...

This song is a definite vibe! It conjures up images of a hot sultry lazy summer day in the South (Mississippi). Love the acoustic guitar and fiddle!! And those Doobie harmonies!!!! YESSSSSSS!!!! The Doobie Brothers have so many songs that sound so different from each other and take you to different places. Another song you might want to check out is TOULOUSE STREET from their album of the same name. It's a haunting melody with beautiful acoustic guitar and great multi-part harmonies - it has an "Old New Orleans" vibe to it (if that makes sense).

One of the best produced songs, ever!

They put on one of the best concerts I've ever been to & I've been to a lot!!

Great reaction SalvoG! I get the same feeling from this song. It takes me back to my favorite swimming hole when I was in high school 50 years ago. Looking forward to your reaction to some of my other favorite songs!

Doogie Brothers! So smooth, so easy to lie back and groove to.

One of my favorite songs of all time!! 😁😁💋💖💋💖🍿🎉🍿🎉😎😎😎

Thanks for listening to my very favorite Doobie's song.. love that "round-about" right? I lost interest when they brought in Michael McDonald... lol

I was 14 when this played on the radio. Brilliant memories. 😁❤️

Patrick Simmons pronounces his name with the same vowel sound as the word "it". Not Simons. The double "M" gives a short vowel sound to the "I". Also the viola is larger than a violin, with a lower, deeper sound. It can be played with a bow or plucked.

I was in junior high when this song came out - reminds me of canoeing with my friends at a local pond here in New England. Still love this song

I was having a bad day, got home, decided to check out KZfaq. Hearing this song and enjoying how reacted to it really cheered me up. Thanks man edit Just wanted to add a fun fact for you. The band was originally named Pud, and they had to change it before when they were signed. They came up with Doobie Brothers, and yes, it’s a weed reference

The whole album “What were Once Vices are Now Habits” is greatness…..the next Album “Stampede” is also equally great…

Perfect reaction! Great to see your positive reactions and your physical reactions during various parts of the song and I think you replicated probably what everyone who really appreciates this song reacted the very first time they heard it also. If this song doesn’t elicit a powerful reaction of “blown away” when someone hears it, then something ain’t right with them 🤣

The viola is the alto voice in the violin family. It is larger and deeper sounding than the violin, but not so deep as the cello.

The breakdown at the end always makes me jive.

ALRIGHT! SALVOG GOTS SOME MOVES! Not long enough is what we ALL said about this song. Takes you to a place you wish you were there.

Whenever I hear this song, when it comes to the a cappella part, I love to sing the two vocal parts, switching every time around..

Been diggin' on this recording for nearly half a century - WELCOME TO THE CLUB! For more Southern Rock sound of that time, check out The Marshall Tucker Band - first track on their debut album is TAKE THE HIGHWAY. One of only 3 bands that used a flute in Rock music (Jethro Tull and Moody Blues, also). Also, I'll suggest CAN'T YOU SEE, and A NEW LIFE. For an 'electric bluegrass' sound check out Goose Creek Symphony and their first two albums (their Live you tube stuff sucks); WELCOME TO GOOSE CREEK and WORDS OF EARNEST - both albums on the Capitol label (1971 and '72 respectively).

Yes, Doobie Bros makes one happy! Love your giggles! Oh viola is a bigger violin.

This song is what I play when I need to get to a happy place! You can’t help but sing a long to this song!. I agree, it definitely gives a summer vibe.

Love the Doobie Brothers.. another great song is South City Midnight Lady .. and Dark Eyed Cajon Woman.. their music is fun and light ..

The Doobie Brothers did this song during Covid 2020 or 2021 somewhere around there. Via zoom, it was great. Got to check it out. Later

I remember when this came out, it was all over the radio in my college days.

Back at the time, I was always happy when the radio DJ cued this one up.

I think of a wooded countryside with a river running through it... Sun on the riverbank....tire swings and picknicks! I am familiar with the country in that area. 😁😁😁. It makes me feel good!

First time on good headphones are diamonds in my ears. These Bros are so sweet.

Love the Brothers!😎👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

You get a longer version in the live format (concert vids, live shows, etc). When this album came out, they were up against the radio limits on song lengths. If your song was too long, you never made the air. They were actually pushing it at 4:00 minutes and it's why you probably don't see them hitting higher on several of the charts - couldn't get the air play due to the length. If you want the full experience, find the live show...

This and Bohemian Rhapsody were favorite singalongs at the bars back in the day.

Wow, haven't heard this in awhile..I was a kid listening to my brothers band cover the Doobie Brothers, this has great memories

Since you like this so much, you NEED to listen/see them perform this in 2020 in isolation. It’s such a feel good song. Watching them do their parts in their homes and adding video of fans singing along was really cool.

I have a bluegrass rock song for you with a Celtic twist. The video has over 200M views and is a banger! Copperhead Road by Steve Earle. True storytelling of life in the TN hills. He plays the mandolin for the first part of the song and it has a beautiful tone.

You broke 40K !!! I am so happy for you Salvo!

Ah, the memories! We wore out our 8-track tape of this album. Lol

I had the same reaction as you when I first heard this at the age of 16. Thanks for this.

And just like that I am in High School again!! ❤

In the early days of the pandemic, the Doobie Brothers re-recorded this song Zoom-style and called it "Black Water (live in isolation)." Definitely worth checking out on KZfaq.

This is the reaction I’ve waited for❤️

Love, love, love this song! It’s also really fun to watch a reactor’s face when they get to the a cappella part. I was surprised that it wasn’t higher in the charts but then I remembered that it had some pretty stiff competition at that time. Crazy good music. It’s always kind of a surprise but also funny when reactors ask about the genre of music. The radio stations I listened to, in California and then in Virginia, played so many different styles. If the listeners liked it the DJs would play it. To me it was all rock n roll. (I didn’t even realize that The Charlie Daniels Band was considered country until I heard someone describe it as such decades after “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was popular. Yes, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that but it was played on the rock station and wasn’t twangy like a lot of country music at that time.) Bottom line is that across the country there were musicians who grew up with different musical influences and then they were all listening to Elvis and the Beatles and everything else so they brought their own styles to the party. If you looked at the top 100 songs from any year in the early seventies you’d be amazed at the variety and the sheer talent represented there. That’s probably not true because you’re not familiar with most of the songs (yet) but my generation would be reminded of how spoiled we were to grow up then.

Listening to it as teenagers...while goofying around...It's good goof around music. It felt saucy and it felt just a tiny bit sub-culture....I'm not sure why. It was like a gem that maybe not everyone was lucky enough to have discovered.... You felt lucky it had crossed your path. But mostly it was just oozing good vibes good energy. Thanks for another fantastic reaction! :-)

if you only knew how many quarters I put in a juke box to play this one back in 74 & 75!!!!!!!

It’s been said if you had a bunch of baby boomers together and someone said “ I wanna hear that funky Dixieland pretty mama come and take me by the hand” they would all finish it. 😊

I was there in the seventy’s and saw most bands you could name but I’ll never forget the Doobies, they were one of my favorites.

Liked your reaction. If I may suggest “Revival” by the Allman Brothers, which i have suggested my sons to play first thing in the morning to attain the Good Attitude we all need. It has acoustic and electric guitar, tambourine, and Berry Oakley’s bass. We all need an attitude, so let’s pick a good one. Keep up the good reactions.

Now that you've gotten a good intro to the D B, I think you will really like "I Cheat the Hangman", so different from their hits

Tossing around a Frisbee to this song ... just pure heaven

Viola plays in a lower range than a violin, but not as low as a cello.

It went #1 on the Hot 100 in March 1975

A song that has a nice build and payoff is Never Been to Spain by Three Dog Night, I think you'd be delighted by it. Thanks for this!

Brings back fond memories of college.

Great song! I always sing along when it comes on in the car. A viola is a larger version of a violin by about 25%. Otherwise, they're pretty much the same, from what I know.

One of the best reactions I've watched. ❤️

Sweet!