Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers joined veteran journalist Dan Rather for The Big Interview in 2023 to share the origin of the band’s famously unconventional name. The conversation also touched on the enduring legacy of their hit “Listen to the Music,” how the group has functioned like a family over the decades, and how Michael McDonald’s arrival marked a turning point in their sound.
In the interview, the bandmates recount how their now-iconic name was suggested casually by a friend—and stuck. They also reflect on their favorite songs from the catalog, why “Listen to the Music” still resonates with fans, and how their shared history continues to define them.