Patrick Simmons (born October 19, 1948)[1] is an American musician best known as a founding member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, he has been the only consistent member of the band throughout their tenure. Simmons wrote and sang many songs for the Doobie Brothers, including "South City Midnight Lady", "Dependin' On You", "Echoes of Love", "Wheels of Fortune" and "Black Water", the group's first #1 record.[1]

Patrick Simmons
Simmons performing with the Doobie Brothers
Background information
Born	(1948-10-19) October 19, 1948 (age 73) Aberdeen, Washington
Origin	San Jose, California
Genres	Rock, pop
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instrument(s)	Vocals, guitar, banjo
Years active	1970–present
Labels	Warner Bros., Capitol, Elektra

The Doobie Brothers initially disbanded in 1982, largely on account of Simmons's decision to leave the group, as he was its sole remaining original member. In 1983, Simmons released his first solo album, Arcade, on Elektra Records. It yielded his only top 40 hit, "So Wrong",[2] which peaked at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. "So Wrong" was also a surprise hit on the US dance/disco chart, peaking at #8.[3] The album was reissued on compact disc in Japan in the early 1990s and again in 2007, by the label Wounded Bird Records. Simmons also formed the band Skin Suit during this period.[4] In 1998, Simmons released a second solo album titled Take Me to the Highway. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Doobie Brothers in 2020.[5]

Personal life

Simmons was raised in San Jose, California, where his father was a high school educator. He attended San José State University[6] where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity[7] and lived for many years in Santa Cruz County, California. In 1981 he opened a vintage motorcycle shop with author William J. Craddock.[8] Simmons moved to Mendocino County, California in 1990 after the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, and later to Hawaii.[9]

He met his wife Cristine in 1989 in Sturgis, South Dakota at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They both enjoy riding antique motorcycles, participating in the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Ride.[10] They participated in the 2016 Motorcycle Cannonball, riding from Atlantic City, New Jersey to San Diego, California.[11]

With Tom Johnston, Simmons wrote Long Train Runnin': Our Story of The Doobie Brothers (2022).[12]

Discography

With the Doobie Brothers

Solo albums

• 1983 - Arcade
• 1995 - Take Me to the Highway

Solo singles

• 1983 - "So Wrong"
• 1983 - "Don't Make Me Do It"

References

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