The Doobie Brothers. A band is known for its country, rock, soul, and R&b sound with three-part harmonies has been making great music for 50 years.They have sold over 48 million records worldwide. The list of talented musicians who have played with The Doobie Brothers includes Jeff” Skunk Baxter” on guitar, who later played with Steely Dan. Original Members Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John Mcfee, and Bill Payne make up the current lineup.
Along with Marc Russo, Saxophone, Ed Toth, drums, and John Cowan, Bass/Vocals. Michael Mcdonald, who was with the band from 1975-1982, joined them on the 50th reunion tour interrupted in 2020 because of Covid, which kicks off July 2021.
The Doobie Brothers’ hit songs include “Listen To The Music,” “Long Train Runnin,” “Black Water,” and today’s subject “China Grove.”
So what’s the story behind “China Grove”
Lead singer Tom Johnston says he wrote the music before the lyrics. It started on the piano with bill Payne, who played for several years with the Doobie Brothers and was the pianist with Little Feat.
The song came from an idea about a sheriff in a small town in Texas that carries a Samurai Sword. In an interview with Bart Herbison with The Tennessean, Johnston says that He didn’t know there was a China Grove until 1975 when a cab driver told him it was a small town not far from San Antonio.
Why Johnston didn’t remember there was a China Grove
Johnston attributed it to 1972 when the band toured in Winnebagos driving into San Antonio. It’s one of those moments where he might have seen the sign but forgotten about it. Johnston says there is also a China Grove, North Carolina.
Alert Tom,there is also a China Grove Alabama
I’m in Southeast Alabama, and it’s about an hour 20 minutes North. Also, about 40 minutes from Montgomery, Alabama.
Used in tv-shows
China Grove has been used in tv shows such as The Simpsons and House.
Dolly Parton performed it on her tv show in 1976.
The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2020.” China Grove” climbed to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1973.
