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! 😎🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦🇨🇦
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.
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.
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...
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.
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
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”.
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 .
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.
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.
I watched a documentary on UA-cam 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.
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 !
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.
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!
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.
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!
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."
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.
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
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.
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."
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.
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. ✌🏻
Here's a thing most don't realize. During WWII, many "Japanese gardens" (tranquil public spaces, typically cared for by Japanese Americans), in the U.S., underwent name changes to "Chinese gardens". Japanese Americans were unable to voice dissent, as they were rounded up, and put in internment camps, at the time. You can find one, in San Antonio. It's, apparently, not the namesake of this song, though.
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.
Probably because we grew up with them, but the Doobies sound like the Doobies to us - even when "different". : )
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 .
Vocalist Tom Johnston really shines in this jamm man.
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”.
The 70’s were SO AWESOME for great music 🎶🌹🌹🎶
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!!
A truly wonderful band that never gets the credit they should. One of my first live concerts.
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.
Hiii Harri , you make me happy with your music choices , bless you , you are a blast from the past , thank you
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.
This song is quintessential Doobie Brothers for me. Love it! Thanks for the reaction. Glad you're enjoying them so much!
Oh man I wore out my 8-track cassette in my car cranking this song out. What a classic!
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.
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 one of the best bands of the 70s
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.
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.
This is a straight ahead rocker. Never get tired of hearing China Grove - and I've heard it many, many times.
This is why im a proud 70s BRAT
Having been raised in Ukiah, CA, I love their song Ukiah. It is so relatable 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...
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.
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"
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 favorite band of all time.YES
My happy song!
I can't help chair bopping as soon as this comes on.
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
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”.
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 .
A happy tune that was guaranteed to fill the dance floor by local bands!
You must try Taking it to the Streets.
All their music is fantastic
Sending love and groovy vibes from Texas, home of China Grove. Great video Harri, as always. Love you. Xx
The whole album The Captain and me is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love the Doobie Brothers! "It Keeps You Runnin," and "Minute by minute" are great songs too~Good Going Harri !
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.
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.
Like Three Dog Night, they are very diverse and so talented!
I watched a documentary on UA-cam 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.
Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne has worked with the Doobies , and the Tower of Power horn section .
So much down that rabbit trail .
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 !
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.
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS "REAL LOVE",, "YOU BELONG TO ME" & "TAKE ME IN YOUR ARMS"
Black Water is a MUST. Actually, every Doobie Bro's song is great, before or after Michael McDonald.
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
My favorite, "The Captain and Me" LP, 1973.
Taking it to the streets and Without You
China Grove was a small town just east of San Antonio, Texas. Now it's a suburb.
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 !
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!
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💜❤💚🎶🎵🎷🇺🇸🎧🎧
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
Yeah, China Grove, Tx, but there is also China Grove, NC. Great little town near me where the trains run daily.
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!
Excellent reaction! Listen to The Captain and Me off this album and also Ukiah...they will blow you away
I use to work in China Grove, Tx.. Gorgeous there.
Doobie brothers are my top three bands of all time Harry, Beside Allman brothers and Crosby stills nash and young
China Grove, Texas....The Lone Star State.. down around San Antone
Tiram Porter's bass here is revolutionary!
Love some Doobie Brothers!!
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.
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."
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.
For another completely different sound check out South City Midnight Lady or Dark Eyed Cajun Woman
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
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.
A great song but then again the whole album was superb,typical Doobies!
Take in it to the streets is another good one.
Great reaction Harry. Maybe try their song Pure as the Driven Snow.
Check out a live version of Blackwater... Absolutely amazing. It's my favorite of theirs.
Great song and enjoyed your reaction. For more versatility please listen to I Cheat The Hangman. It is a trip Harri. 🔥
Minute by Minute (M. McDonald sings)
I’ve been to China Grove, Texas….wide spot in the road.
the band evolved thru the years, i think micheal mcdonald came on the scene later. he has that very soulful voice.
Another real rocker from these guys would be "Without You".
YES.
Timeless
And they live and thrive on the gossip
...and that's why some of us prefer the pre McDonald Doobies. ; )
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."
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.
The Captain and me is a good one!
Doobie Brothers - South City Midnight Lady or Black Water
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.
Hi Harry. Hugs and peace from Virginia.
South City Midnight Lady
Sorry to change bands here, but if you love soulful vocals with great backing, you definitely should check out The Guess Who.
It's a tiny suburb of San Antonio, Texas.
For yet another different sound from the band, give a listen to Clear As The Driven Snow.
Down in the Track...
Time for black water now!!!!!!!!!!!
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. ✌🏻
I always wondered what Samurai swords have to do with China.
Here's a thing most don't realize.
During WWII, many "Japanese gardens"
(tranquil public spaces, typically cared for by Japanese Americans), in the U.S., underwent name changes to "Chinese gardens". Japanese Americans were unable to voice dissent, as they were rounded up, and put in internment camps, at the time.
You can find one, in San Antonio. It's, apparently, not the namesake of this song, though.
Enjoy hun
China Grove is a suburb of San Antonio, TX
Did it ever have anything to do with China?
South City Midnight Lady or Another Park Another Sunday for something different.
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.
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.