Steal Away - Robbie DuPree (1980) 11/30/23

At first listen, today's Great Song of 1980, "Steal Away" by Robbie Dupree might sound a bit familiar.

At least that's what many music critics thought--saying it sounded a bit too much like "What a Fool Believes" by the Doobie Brothers, written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins.

Well, there ARE similarities for sure, and McDonald's publishing company even threatened to sue for royalties, but they were stopped cold by Michael himself, who had no problem with it and refused to accuse Robbie of plagiarism.

Radio listeners didn't have any problems with it either. When it hit the charts as the debut single from Robbie's self-titled debut album, it climbed right into the Top 10 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart (#5) and The Hot 100 (#6). In Canada, it reached #2 on the AC Chart.

Trivia: In 2017, the song was used on an episode of TV's "Better call Saul."

"Steal Away" by Robbie Dupree: Not stolen, and a Great Song of 1980.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvvhCzDobRE

For comparison: "What a Fool Believes:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exnHAdopRxA

Tomorrow: Rabbitt in the Rain.