Great story behind this song….the Doobies broke down in China Grove, Texas and the hospitality by the town shown to them made an impact. And they treated them like regular people…not big stars. Out of it came a great song.By the way,this album “ The Captain and Me” is in my opinion the best overall album of all time,tied with Boston’s first album,” Boston”.
Harri...time to get a taste of the Doobie Brothers "Dark-Eyed Cajun Woman". "Like in China Grove", "Long Train Running", "Listen To The Music and Rocking Down The Highway" for example, you are hearing the lead vocals of Tom Johnston -- the heart and soul of the Doobies. The great Michael McDonald had joined the Doobies in '75, and he was a savior of sorts when Tom Johnston was put on R&R by their label's management after bouts with drug addiction combined with the grind of touring -- he was just exhausted. McDonald and original Doobie Patrick Simmons picked up the slack and the Doobie train kept rolling. An original Doobie, Simmons can be heard singing lead vocals on "Black Water" and "South City Midnight Lady" and "Echoes Of Love", which is another song of theirs worthy of your reaction. I saw them perform in my hometown of Austin ,TX when I was 16, in the spring of '75.. They didn't miss a beat without Johnston and the band introduced their newest member, Michael McDonald. I saw them play in Austin again three more times over the years. Really enjoy your show -- keep 'em coming and please consider reacting to late great, Dan Fogelberg, Billy Joel You (The Stranger and 52nd Street albums) and Jackson Brown. You won't be disappointed!
Harri, this is actually your 6th reaction to The Doobies: "Black Water", "Listen To The Music", "Long Train Runnin'", "What A Fool Believes", "Jesus Is Just Alright", and, "China Grove". The song most conspicuously missing from your list--particularly since you love Michael McDonald--is their hit, "Takin' It To The Streets". It's fantastic, and its opening line is, I daresay, their most well-known lyrical hook.
A very underrated band! They were a force in the '70s. Without You one of my favorite rock performances. Saw them many times. People get confused about them because of the Mike MacDonald transition. The Captain and Me a masterful album
Harri, as you say, the song is about a small town in Texas near San Antonio. The town get's its name is because of a grove of Chinaberry trees that was once located near the town's train depot. The grove of trees is no longer there. Tom Johnston wrote the song when he passed through the town on his way to a concert.
Their tour bus broke down just outside of the town, so the impetus of the song came from the interactions with the townsfolk while they were getting their bus repaired.
Another Groovy from the Doobie! Sorry..couldn't help that. Love the Doobie Brothers! This song rocks! Off the amazing - The Captain & Me - album! Thanks Harri! 😎🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦🇨🇦
China Grove Texas like the songs says, is a sleepy little town, where the gossip gets to flying, etc. Everyone knows, or wants to know everyone else's business. Every small town is like that. This is a great song, with great lyrics and a Rockin, music line. One of their best.
In “ China Grove“ you can “ Listen to the Music” you will go “ Rockin’ Down the Highway”, and “It’s Keep You Runnin’” to meet a “South City Midnight Lady”, on a “Long Train Runnin”, she will “Take Me In Your Arms”, and you will find “Real Love”, because “ You Belong to Me”.
For yet another side of The Doobie Brothers, tomorrow would be a perfect day to do ,"Another Park, Another Sunday" Gorgeous song with exquisite guitar & harmonies...
They’re mentioning a place on the south side of my city, San Antonio, TEXAS. You know, where the Alamo is. We are a big music city! We are famous for it! Just one of the things we are famous for.
Stupendous . 'You Just Can't Stop It' from my favorite Doobie album 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits'...calling you when time allows . Blessings to you and your dear ones .
I'm not just a Doobies fan but I can tell you that a lot of people in Rock rank this complete album The Captain and Me , in the top 10 rock albums of all time.
Fun Fact: the unfinished freeway overpass pictured on the album cover is in San Jose, California (where The Doobie Brothers originated, and where I grew up). It is the interchange of Interstate 280, Interstate 680, and U.S. 101. It is also known as the The Joe Colla Interchange. During the 1970s, it remained unfinished for nearly five years, due to budget shortfalls, leaving three uncompleted flyover ramps hanging over US 101 and unfinished I-280/I-680. For most of those years, I remember there being a li Christmas tree up there every December. It was a mystery as to who put it there and how they got it up there (with a battery, presumably).
I graduated High School in 1973 in Utah, oh I first fell in love with them the album before...actually when Tom Johnston wrote the song he thought he just made it up, the a bit later in a cab ride, the driver said why did you write a song about China Grove, Tom said oh, I juat made it up and the driver said no, there really is a China Grove where you said it was! So Tom realized his mind got it even if he did not, sort of subconscious...Man I Love this band, their hits on radio were not all their best songs, the albums are amazing, and, like you said, they go in Many diff directions with all sorts of musicians, GREAT musicians...react or not, check them out
The Doobie Brothers "Another Park Another Sunday" reminds of me of Supertramps "Sister Moonshine". 2 great songs by 2 great bands that no one ever mentions or listens too. Both overwhelmingly underrated. Ahh, their loss I guess.
I loved the Doobies all the time, but to be honest, this first "part" with Tom Johnston was the better one, even if I also like the "Michael McDonald era" too.
the reason this sounds so different is this was the early band before they added McDonald and they went south. This is the band that rocked with Long Train and then dropped Black Water which is so chill.
Harri, love it, CHINA GROVE was one of my bands numbers back in 1921 he he. How about discovering a true genius guitarist/songwriter/singer MR.RORY GALLAGHER fron Donegal, my recommendation to start with from the LIVE IN EUROPE album "MESSIN' WITH THE KID". keep safe kid and cheerio from Glasgow.
You've reacted to pretty much all The Doobie Brothers songs I care about. I suppose Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me) would be my next favorite one on the to-do list.
I watched a documentary on RUclips about the band just yesterday. They went through endless line-up changes due to drug misuse and burn-out. Michael McDonald came on board when the original singer became too ill to continue. That's why there is such variation in the music.
Love Love you so fun to watch. I live in San Antonio near of course China Grove so a little biased by this song. Please keep reacting… I will be watching.
Michael McDonald didn't join the band until the "Takin' It to the Streets' album in 1977. Check out 'Chinatown' from the 'Livin' on the Fault Line' album (1977), it bookends nicely with 'China Grove,' and you get to hear Michael's distinctive voice. "There's a Light' from the same album is also a super track!
Continuing to push for "Clear as the Driven Snow": Same album as this and "Long Train." Similar musical journey to "Black Water." But I agree that since Michael McDonald led you here, you need to get to "Taking It to the Streets."
wow harri! love ur music spirit and soul! i flipped thru ur vids - wow u have alot ! songs i love ! i think im gonna have harribest music night ! im with u - i dont know what i would do without music also! me too ! music makes u remember where we were at the time ! sometimes its good memories sometimes its bad - but its all good ! just love ya - thanks ! take of u and family !
An amazing band, especially in their early years before Tom, their lead singer, had physical and emotional issues.The band used to play and travel all over the country over 300 days a year and burn out , exhaustion and injured vocal chords affected him! So many great tunes!
If you want more "early" Doobies songs that have a different feel, try I Cheat the Hangman, or Toulouse Street -- they will surprise you VERY much! For early Doobies songs that are more like what you've heard and liked before, try Eyes of Silver, or Another Park Another Sunday, or Daughters of the Sea (not a "hit" but SOOOO good!). If you want "McDonald-era" Doobies, try Takin' It To the Streets, or Here To Love You. There are so many more than this.
Listen to the music, one of my favorites, saw them in 76 Lynyrd Skynyrd opened . listen to the music was the only doobie Brothers I did hear, Iwas a bit disappointed.
Harri, you’re right. They are a great Talent from the Bay Area, San José, CA. Try their “Minute by Minute” with Michael McDonald singing Lead. Keep up the good work!.. SanJoséBob
The original lead singer, Tom Johnston, got sick and that's why Michael McDonald came into the band. Though they had another singer, Patrick Simmons, who is the one that sang "Jesus is Just All Right."
Since you're being introduced to a lot of pre -Michael McDonald Doobies Bros, you should familiarize yourself a little with Tom Johnston. He was one of the founding members of the group. Tom actually did a solo album as well.
It sickens me that the quite lame Rock & Roll Hall of Fame didn’t induct the Doobie Brothers until last year. They were not the only monster band of the 70s that were ignored as there are still legendary bands that had numerous gold records and unrivaled live shows that have yet to be enshrined. Pitiful organization. The fans have spoken for generations, yet unacceptable elites believe they are right to ignore extremely popular music that they personally didn’t know or like. 🙃
@@kentclark6420 - yes, decades after they should have been. Nevertheless you’re right, however legendary rock acts of the 70s such as Thin Lizzy, Blue Öyster Cult, U.F.O., and Kansas have yet to be. There are others as well, but you get the idea. ✌🏻
If you want to hear a fantastic Doobies song that nobody is requesting please do "Daughters of the sea/Flying Cloud" Everyone requests the same songs that other reactors are doing. Find a youtube vid with both of those together because it's a beautiful combo of music. Just an idea to be different.
And what can you expect from a band called The Doobie Brothers a lot of young ones out there wouldn't have a clue as to what we're talking about their loss
George Strait - "Amarillo By Morning", and Johnny Cash - "Fulsom Prison Blues", also, truncate the name San Antonio, to "San Antone". I love both of these songs, btw.
The 70’s were SO AWESOME for great music 🎶🌹🌹🎶
Probably because we grew up with them, but the Doobies sound like the Doobies to us - even when "different". : )
Vocalist Tom Johnston really shines in this jamm man.
The Doobies bus broke down in China Grove, Texas. They were there a day or so and were so impressed with the Citizens they wrote this song .
Regarding their versatility, try their song "South City Midnight Lady" for yet another sound.
I absolutely love that song!!!!
Yes yes yes. It's awesome.
A truly wonderful band that never gets the credit they should. One of my first live concerts.
Great story behind this song….the Doobies broke down in China Grove, Texas and the hospitality by the town shown to them made an impact. And they treated them like regular people…not big stars. Out of it came a great song.By the way,this album “ The Captain and Me” is in my opinion the best overall album of all time,tied with Boston’s first album,” Boston”.
Harri...time to get a taste of the Doobie Brothers "Dark-Eyed Cajun Woman". "Like in China Grove", "Long Train Running", "Listen To The Music and Rocking Down The Highway" for example, you are hearing the lead vocals of Tom Johnston -- the heart and soul of the Doobies. The great Michael McDonald had joined the Doobies in '75, and he was a savior of sorts when Tom Johnston was put on R&R by their label's management after bouts with drug addiction combined with the grind of touring -- he was just exhausted. McDonald and original Doobie Patrick Simmons picked up the slack and the Doobie train kept rolling. An original Doobie, Simmons can be heard singing lead vocals on "Black Water" and "South City Midnight Lady" and "Echoes Of Love", which is another song of theirs worthy of your reaction. I saw them perform in my hometown of Austin ,TX when I was 16, in the spring of '75.. They didn't miss a beat without Johnston and the band introduced their newest member, Michael McDonald. I saw them play in Austin again three more times over the years. Really enjoy your show -- keep 'em coming and
please consider reacting to late great, Dan Fogelberg, Billy Joel You (The Stranger and 52nd Street albums) and Jackson Brown. You won't be disappointed!
One of my favorite bands. There isn’t a song of theirs I don’t like. Never gets old!!
Hiii Harri , you make me happy with your music choices , bless you , you are a blast from the past , thank you
My favorite band of all time.YES
This is one of the best bands of the 70s
This song is quintessential Doobie Brothers for me. Love it! Thanks for the reaction. Glad you're enjoying them so much!
Harri, this is actually your 6th reaction to The Doobies: "Black Water", "Listen To The Music", "Long Train Runnin'", "What A Fool Believes", "Jesus Is Just Alright", and, "China Grove". The song most conspicuously missing from your list--particularly since you love Michael McDonald--is their hit, "Takin' It To The Streets". It's fantastic, and its opening line is, I daresay, their most well-known lyrical hook.
In 1977 Outlaws opened for doobies was a great show.Doobies played a song Steamer Lane Breakdown the place loved it.Check it out.
Having been raised in Ukiah, CA, I love their song Ukiah. It is so relatable to me.
A very underrated band! They were a force in the '70s. Without You one of my favorite rock performances. Saw them many times. People get confused about them because of the Mike MacDonald transition. The Captain and Me a masterful album
All their music is fantastic
Oh man I wore out my 8-track cassette in my car cranking this song out. What a classic!
Harri, as you say, the song is about a small town in Texas near San Antonio. The town get's its name is because of a grove of Chinaberry trees that was once located near the town's train depot. The grove of trees is no longer there. Tom Johnston wrote the song when he passed through the town on his way to a concert.
Their tour bus broke down just outside of the town, so the impetus of the song came from the interactions with the townsfolk while they were getting their bus repaired.
I appreciate this. Which town?
@@calebclunie4001 China Grove, TX
Another Groovy from the Doobie! Sorry..couldn't help that. Love the Doobie Brothers! This song rocks! Off the amazing - The Captain & Me - album! Thanks Harri! 😎🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦🇨🇦
This is a straight ahead rocker. Never get tired of hearing China Grove - and I've heard it many, many times.
China Grove Texas like the songs says, is a sleepy little town, where the gossip gets to flying, etc. Everyone knows, or wants to know everyone else's business. Every small town is like that. This is a great song, with great lyrics and a Rockin, music line. One of their best.
In “ China Grove“ you can “ Listen to the Music” you will go “ Rockin’ Down the Highway”, and “It’s Keep You Runnin’” to meet a “South City Midnight Lady”, on a “Long Train Runnin”, she will “Take Me In Your Arms”, and you will find “Real Love”, because “ You Belong to Me”.
For yet another side of The Doobie Brothers, tomorrow would be a perfect day to do ,"Another Park, Another Sunday"
Gorgeous song with exquisite guitar & harmonies...
This is why im a proud 70s BRAT
Check out "It Keeps You Running" "Keep This Train a Rollin'" "Minute By Minute" "Rockin' Down The Highway" and of course "Taking It to the Streets"
They’re mentioning a place on the south side of my city, San Antonio, TEXAS. You know, where the Alamo is. We are a big music city! We are famous for it! Just one of the things we are famous for.
Black Water is a MUST. Actually, every Doobie Bro's song is great, before or after Michael McDonald.
Stupendous .
'You Just Can't Stop It' from my favorite Doobie album 'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits'...calling you when time allows .
Blessings to you and your dear ones .
I'm not just a Doobies fan but I can tell you that a lot of people in Rock rank this complete album The Captain and Me , in the top 10 rock albums of all time.
Like Three Dog Night, they are very diverse and so talented!
The whole album The Captain and me is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Fun Fact: the unfinished freeway overpass pictured on the album cover is in San Jose, California (where The Doobie Brothers originated, and where I grew up). It is the interchange of Interstate 280, Interstate 680, and U.S. 101. It is also known as the The Joe Colla Interchange. During the 1970s, it remained unfinished for nearly five years, due to budget shortfalls, leaving three uncompleted flyover ramps hanging over US 101 and unfinished I-280/I-680. For most of those years, I remember there being a li Christmas tree up there every December. It was a mystery as to who put it there and how they got it up there (with a battery, presumably).
My happy song!
I can't help chair bopping as soon as this comes on.
You must try Taking it to the Streets.
A happy tune that was guaranteed to fill the dance floor by local bands!
Taking it to the streets and Without You
I graduated High School in 1973 in Utah, oh I first fell in love with them the album before...actually when Tom Johnston wrote the song he thought he just made it up, the a bit later in a cab ride, the driver said why did you write a song about China Grove, Tom said oh, I juat made it up and the driver said no, there really is a China Grove where you said it was! So Tom realized his mind got it even if he did not, sort of subconscious...Man I Love this band, their hits on radio were not all their best songs, the albums are amazing, and, like you said, they go in Many diff directions with all sorts of musicians, GREAT musicians...react or not, check them out
Sending love and groovy vibes from Texas, home of China Grove. Great video Harri, as always. Love you. Xx
Next should be another Michael McDonald song. Taking It To The Streets.
This song is pre Michael McDonald.
I agree. Since Harri likes MM, "Taking it to the Streets", would be the next logical choice.
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS "REAL LOVE",, "YOU BELONG TO ME" & "TAKE ME IN YOUR ARMS"
My favorite, "The Captain and Me" LP, 1973.
Please listen to “Another Park, Another Sunday”. Only one or two reactors have listened to it. I know that you will love it.
Great track.. one of their best!
The Doobie Brothers "Another Park Another Sunday" reminds of me of Supertramps "Sister Moonshine".
2 great songs by 2 great bands that no one ever mentions or listens too. Both overwhelmingly underrated.
Ahh, their loss I guess.
Absolutely love ANOTHER PARK ANOTHER SUNDAY. SO will you💜❤💚🎶🎵🎷🇺🇸🎧🎧
I loved the Doobies all the time, but to be honest, this first "part" with Tom Johnston was the better one, even if I also like the "Michael McDonald era" too.
Doobie brothers are my top three bands of all time Harry, Beside Allman brothers and Crosby stills nash and young
For another completely different sound check out South City Midnight Lady or Dark Eyed Cajun Woman
Doobies are great!!
Another couple of different sounding Doobies:
Another Park Another Sunday
Blackwater
Minute By Minute
Three different singers...Michael on one, Pat Simmonson another, and Tom Johnston who sings China Groove
Tiram Porter's bass here is revolutionary!
A great song but then again the whole album was superb,typical Doobies!
Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne has worked with the Doobies , and the Tower of Power horn section .
So much down that rabbit trail .
the reason this sounds so different is this was the early band before they added McDonald and they went south. This is the band that rocked with Long Train and then dropped Black Water which is so chill.
100% agree with you Jeff.
Harri, love it, CHINA GROVE was one of my bands numbers back in 1921 he he. How about discovering a true genius guitarist/songwriter/singer MR.RORY GALLAGHER fron Donegal, my recommendation to start with from the LIVE IN EUROPE album "MESSIN' WITH THE KID". keep safe kid and cheerio from Glasgow.
I love the Doobie Brothers! "It Keeps You Runnin," and "Minute by minute" are great songs too~Good Going Harri !
Love some Doobie Brothers!!
You've reacted to pretty much all The Doobie Brothers songs I care about. I suppose Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me) would be my next favorite one on the to-do list.
I watched a documentary on RUclips about the band just yesterday. They went through endless line-up changes due to drug misuse and burn-out. Michael McDonald came on board when the original singer became too ill to continue. That's why there is such variation in the music.
China Grove, Texas....The Lone Star State.. down around San Antone
you should check out reunion clip they just made recently where all of them all are sing Taking It To The Streets with Michael and Tom both together
Love Love you so fun to watch. I live in San Antonio near of course China Grove so a little biased by this song. Please keep reacting… I will be watching.
Michael McDonald didn't join the band until the "Takin' It to the Streets' album in 1977. Check out 'Chinatown' from the 'Livin' on the Fault Line' album (1977), it bookends nicely with 'China Grove,' and you get to hear Michael's distinctive voice. "There's a Light' from the same album is also a super track!
I use to work in China Grove, Tx.. Gorgeous there.
Continuing to push for "Clear as the Driven Snow": Same album as this and "Long Train." Similar musical journey to "Black Water."
But I agree that since Michael McDonald led you here, you need to get to "Taking It to the Streets."
China Grove was a small town just east of San Antonio, Texas. Now it's a suburb.
wow harri! love ur music spirit and soul! i flipped thru ur vids - wow u have alot ! songs i love ! i think im gonna have harribest music night ! im with u - i dont know what i would do without music also! me too ! music makes u remember where we were at the time ! sometimes its good memories sometimes its bad - but its all good ! just love ya - thanks ! take of u and family !
Excellent reaction! Listen to The Captain and Me off this album and also Ukiah...they will blow you away
Minute by Minute (M. McDonald sings)
Timeless
Yeah, China Grove, Tx, but there is also China Grove, NC. Great little town near me where the trains run daily.
Take in it to the streets is another good one.
And they live and thrive on the gossip
An amazing band, especially in their early years before Tom, their lead singer, had physical and emotional issues.The band used to play and travel all over the country over 300 days a year and burn out , exhaustion and injured vocal chords affected him! So many great tunes!
If you want more "early" Doobies songs that have a different feel, try I Cheat the Hangman, or Toulouse Street -- they will surprise you VERY much!
For early Doobies songs that are more like what you've heard and liked before, try Eyes of Silver, or Another Park Another Sunday, or Daughters of the Sea (not a "hit" but SOOOO good!).
If you want "McDonald-era" Doobies, try Takin' It To the Streets, or Here To Love You.
There are so many more than this.
Listen to the music, one of my favorites, saw them in 76 Lynyrd Skynyrd opened . listen to the music was the only doobie Brothers I did hear, Iwas a bit disappointed.
Another real rocker from these guys would be "Without You".
YES.
Harri, you’re right. They are a great Talent from the Bay Area, San José, CA. Try their “Minute by Minute” with Michael McDonald singing Lead. Keep up the good work!.. SanJoséBob
Check out a live version of Blackwater... Absolutely amazing. It's my favorite of theirs.
South City Midnight Lady
i meant to say take care of u and family! u just got me so excited over ur music ! lol - cant wait to hear all ur music !
the band evolved thru the years, i think micheal mcdonald came on the scene later. he has that very soulful voice.
The original lead singer, Tom Johnston, got sick and that's why Michael McDonald came into the band. Though they had another singer, Patrick Simmons, who is the one that sang "Jesus is Just All Right."
Great reaction Harry. Maybe try their song Pure as the Driven Snow.
...and that's why some of us prefer the pre McDonald Doobies. ; )
Down in the Track...
Great song and enjoyed your reaction. For more versatility please listen to I Cheat The Hangman. It is a trip Harri. 🔥
Doobie Brothers - South City Midnight Lady or Black Water
I’ve been to China Grove, Texas….wide spot in the road.
Since you're being introduced to a lot of pre -Michael McDonald Doobies Bros, you should familiarize yourself a little with Tom Johnston. He was one of the founding members of the group. Tom actually did a solo album as well.
Sorry to change bands here, but if you love soulful vocals with great backing, you definitely should check out The Guess Who.
The Captain and me is a good one!
For yet another different sound from the band, give a listen to Clear As The Driven Snow.
It sickens me that the quite lame Rock & Roll Hall of Fame didn’t induct the Doobie Brothers until last year. They were not the only monster band of the 70s that were ignored as there are still legendary bands that had numerous gold records and unrivaled live shows that have yet to be enshrined. Pitiful organization. The fans have spoken for generations, yet unacceptable elites believe they are right to ignore extremely popular music that they personally didn’t know or like. 🙃
Finally Rush and the Moody Blues got in.
@@kentclark6420 - yes, decades after they should have been. Nevertheless you’re right, however legendary rock acts of the 70s such as Thin Lizzy, Blue Öyster Cult, U.F.O., and Kansas have yet to be. There are others as well, but you get the idea. ✌🏻
Time for black water now!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to hear a fantastic Doobies song that nobody is requesting please do "Daughters of the sea/Flying Cloud"
Everyone requests the same songs that other reactors are doing. Find a youtube vid with both of those together because it's a beautiful combo of music. Just an idea to be different.
It's a tiny suburb of San Antonio, Texas.
Yeah, Takin It To The Streets will blow you away, Again. "You don't know me but I'm your Brother" buy some new headphones, and enjoy.
And what can you expect from a band called The Doobie Brothers a lot of young ones out there wouldn't have a clue as to what we're talking about their loss
South City Midnight Lady or Another Park Another Sunday for something different.
Hi Harry. Hugs and peace from Virginia.
Sleepy little town down around San Antone. No one from here calls it that. It’s San Antonio. Makes for better lyrics I guess. Very cool song. Classic!
I've lived there. This is correct.
Also, "Frisco", is not acceptable, as a substitute for San Francisco, but "The City" is.
George Strait - "Amarillo By Morning", and
Johnny Cash - "Fulsom Prison Blues", also, truncate the name San Antonio, to "San Antone".
I love both of these songs, btw.
@@calebclunie4001, in songs it’s ok. I was warning against saying that in general. Especially here.
Enjoy hun