Guitarist Patrick Simmons joined the Doobie Brothers in 1970 and was an instrumental factor in the band's ascension from a club band playing biker bars to a global success story in the '70s, selling millions of albums and charting a succession of hit songs. Born on October 19, 1948, in Aberdeen, WA, Simmons began playing guitar at the age of eight. His interest grew over his parents' objections and throughout high school and college he continued to play and even ran a small folk club. In 1970, he joined forces with guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston, drummer John Hartman, and bassist Dave Shogren, who had been performing as Pud. Rechristening themselves, supposedly at a friend's suggestion, the Doobie Brothers, the group signed to Warner Bros. and, with their second album, Toulouse Street, began their assault on the charts. Although Simmons wouldn't be a primary writer for the band, he contributed to all of their releases, including writing their first number one single, the gold-selling "Black Water," as well as the Top 40 hit "Dependin' on You," from their monstrously successful Minute by Minute album. He also added vocals that helped create the harmonies that were one of the band's trademarks. When the group disbanded in 1983, Simmons released a solo record, Arcade. Although not as successful as fellow Doobie Michael McDonald's solo release from a year earlier, Arcade nonetheless produced a Top 40 single in the punchy "So Wrong" and featured a second, minor hit with the Huey Lewis-penned "Don't Make Me Do It." In 1989, Simmons reunited with the original lineup and the Doobie Brothers returned to hit-making status with "The Doctor," which hit the pop Top Ten and topped the album rock charts that year. Although their recorded output has become erratic, the Doobie Brothers continue to tour with Simmons adding his classy vocals and guitar playing. ~ Tom Demalon