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Yesterday, I teased today's Great Song of 1989 by calling it the "last Doobie hit." After I typed it, I realized it was an accidental drug reference about smoking pot.
Of course, when The Doobie Brothers named themselves, they made the reference on purpose.
Actually, that has nothing to do with today's song, "The Doctor," but I thought I'd toss it in anyway.
By 1989, founding Doobie Tom Johnston had retuned to the group after leaving in 1977 due to a series of health problems and tensions within the band.
Tom had some success as a solo artist, fronted his own band for a while and worked on some special projects. In 1982, he rejoined the Doobies for their farewell tour, and after they disbanded, he spent the next 5 years doing more touring and solo work.
In 1987, the Doobie Brothers reunited, and Tom was right back where he started--and remains with the group today.
In 1989, the group released the album. "Cycles," and with it, a song Tom co-wrote called "The Doctor.'
It sounded like a classic Doobie Brothers song (Think "China Grove"), and it went straight to the top of Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart, and reached #9 on the Hot 100. Both MTV and VH1 played the song heavily, which absolutely added to its popularity.
To be honest, "The Doctor" really WASN'T the Doobie Brothers' last hit, In fact, they've charted a few times since then, but so far, it was their last #1...and a Great Song of 1989.
Tomorrow: Does anyone really know why I haven't highlighted this '70s classic...yet?
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