Wheels of Fortune (song)

Last updated
"Wheels of Fortune"
Wheels of fortune portugal cover.jpg
Portuguese cover
Single by The Doobie Brothers
from the album Takin' It to the Streets
B-side "Slat Key Soquel Rag"
ReleasedAugust 4, 1976
Studio Warner Bros. Studios
Genre Pop rock, Funk rock
Length4:57 (album)
3:48 (single)
Label Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s) Patrick Simmons
Jeff Baxter
John Hartman
Producer(s) Ted Templeman
The Doobie Brothers singles chronology
"Takin' It to the Streets"
(1976)		"Wheels of Fortune"
(1976)		"It Keeps You Runnin'"
(1976)

"Wheels of Fortune" is a song written by Patrick Simmons, Jeff Baxter and John Hartman. It was first released by the Doobie Brothers on their 1976 album Takin' It to the Streets . It was also released as the second single from the album.

Contents

Lyrics and Music

According to Billboard Magazine , "Wheels of Fortune" has a similar theme to Blood, Sweat & Tears' 1969 single "Spinning Wheel." [1] The lyrics describe how the wheels of fortune keep changing so that sometimes you lose and sometimes you win.

Nevada State Journal critic Pat O'Driscoll found "Wheels of Fortune" to be generally in the typical Doobie Brothers' style, with "layers of strumming rhythm guitars", but that it also incorporated jazz elements. [2] J. Greg Robertson of the Hartford Courant similarly found the song to be in the Doobie Brothers' traditional style, with "fast tempo, multiple drumming, standard guitar riffs and group vocals." [3] On the other hand, David Guo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette remarked that the song's "warbling and syncopated rhythms" were reminiscent of Steely Dan. [4] Likewise, Terry Anderson of The Daily Journal heard jazz influences from Steely Dan. [5] Allmusic critic Bruce Eder also saw "Wheels of Fortune" as an example of the Doobie Brothers being influenced by Steely Dan. [6]

Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston shared the lead vocals on "Wheels of Fortune." [7] This was one of Johnston's last lead vocal performances for the Doobie Brothers before being forced to leave the band due to health reasons. [7] [8]

Reception

"Wheels of Fortune" was released as the second single from Takin' It to the Streets as a follow-up to the title song. Although the previous single reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Wheels of Fortune" was far less successful, peaking at #87. [9]

Billboard rated "Wheels of Fortune as a "worthy follow-up to 'Taking It To The Streets,'" describing it as combining "funky instrumental tracks and country-rockish vocalizing into a stunning sound." [1] Los Angeles Times critic Steve Pond found that although it incorporates new elements for the band such as the Steely Dan influences, it was "every bit as appealing as the early hits the Doobies once seemed content to merely rewrite." [10] Despite its lack of chart success, Brian Kay of Classic Rock History rated "Wheels of Fortune" as the Doobie Brothers all-time greatest song, praising its composition, production values and performance. [11] Chris Epting of Ultimate Classic Rock described the song as "powerful." [7]

Other Appearances

"Wheels of Fortune" was included on the 2007 compilation album The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers . [12]

The Doobie Brothers played "Wheels of Fortune" on Dinah! on July 24, 1976. [13]

Personnel

The Doobie Brothers

Additional personnel

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Doobie Brothers</span> American rock band

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, known for their flexibility in performing across numerous genres and their vocal harmonies. Active for five decades, with their greatest success during the 1970s, the group's current lineup consists of founding members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, alongside Michael McDonald and John McFee, and touring musicians including John Cowan, Marc Russo (saxophones), Ed Toth (drums), and Marc Quiñones (percussion). Other long-serving members of the band include guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (1974–1979), bassist Tiran Porter and drummers John Hartman, Michael Hossack, and Keith Knudsen. They performed gospel-influenced songs such as "Take Me in Your Arms " and "Jesus is Just Alright".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Johnston (musician)</span> American musician (born 1948)

Charles Thomas Johnston is an American musician. He is a guitarist and vocalist, known principally as a founder, guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter for the rock group the Doobie Brothers, as well as for his own solo career. He has played off and on with the Doobie Brothers for 50 years, in several styles. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers in 2020.

<i>Toulouse Street</i> 1972 studio album by the Doobie Brothers

Toulouse Street is the second studio album by American rock band the Doobie Brothers. It was released in July 1972, by Warner Bros. Records. It was the band's first album with bassist Tiran Porter and also the first with drummer Michael Hossack to augment existing drummer John Hartman, putting in place their trademark twin-drummer sound. Toulouse Street is the name of a street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The cover and inside centerfold photos were taken at a former brothel on Toulouse Street.

<i>The Captain and Me</i> 1973 studio album by The Doobie Brothers

The Captain and Me is the third studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers. The album was released on March 2, 1973, by Warner Bros. Records. It features some of their most popular hits including "Long Train Runnin'", "China Grove" and "Without You". The album is certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA.

<i>What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits</i> 1974 studio album by The Doobie Brothers

What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits is the fourth studio album by American rock band the Doobie Brothers. The album was released on February 1, 1974, by Warner Bros. Records.

<i>Takin It to the Streets</i> (The Doobie Brothers album) 1976 studio album by The Doobie Brothers

Takin' It to the Streets is the sixth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers. The album was released on March 19, 1976, by Warner Bros. Records. It was the first to feature Michael McDonald on lead vocals.

<i>Minute by Minute</i> 1978 studio album by The Doobie Brothers

Minute by Minute is the eighth studio album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released on December 1, 1978, by Warner Bros. Records. It was their last album to include members John Hartman and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.

<i>Rockin down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert</i> 1996 live album by The Doobie Brothers

Rockin’ Down the Highway: The Wildlife Concert is the second double live album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1996. The concerts were performed to benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society, hence the album's title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael McDonald (musician)</span> American musician, singer, and keyboardist

Michael McDonald is an American singer, keyboardist and songwriter known for his distinctive, soulful voice and as a member of the bands the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan (1973–1974). McDonald wrote and sang several hit singles with the Doobie Brothers, including "What a Fool Believes", "Minute by Minute", and "Takin' It to the Streets." McDonald has also performed as a prominent backing vocalist on numerous recordings by artists including Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.

<i>Best of The Doobies</i> 1976 greatest hits album by the Doobie Brothers

Best of The Doobies is the first greatest hits album by the Doobie Brothers. The album has material from Toulouse Street through Takin' It to the Streets, and is also a diamond record. The album was released by Warner Bros. Records on October 29, 1976, and has been re-released numerous times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Water (song)</span> 1974 single by the Doobie Brothers

"Black Water" is a song recorded by the American music group the Doobie Brothers from their 1974 album What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. The track features its composer Patrick Simmons on lead vocals and, in mid-March 1975, became the first of the Doobie Brothers' two No. 1 hit singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiran Porter</span> Musical artist

Tiran Calvin Porter is an American bass and guitar player, vocalist and composer, best known as a member of The Doobie Brothers from 1972 to 1980 and 1987 to 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What a Fool Believes</span> 1978 song by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald,later recorded by The Doobie Brothers

"What a Fool Believes" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The best-known version was recorded by the Doobie Brothers for their 1978 album Minute by Minute. Debuting at number 73 on January 20, 1979, the single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979, for one week. The song received Grammy Awards in 1980 for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China Grove (song)</span> 1973 single by The Doobie Brothers

"China Grove" is a song by American rock band the Doobie Brothers, released in 1973 for their third studio album The Captain and Me. It was written and sung by original lead singer/songwriter Tom Johnston. The song reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. While there is a real China Grove, Texas, Johnston's lyrics about the community are fictional. The song spent eight weeks in the Top 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Listen to the Music</span> 1972 single by the Doobie Brothers

"Listen to the Music" is a song recorded by American rock band the Doobie Brothers on their second album, Toulouse Street (1972). The song was the Doobie Brothers' first big hit in 1972. It was written by Tom Johnston. In 1994, it received a remix by Steve Rodway a.k.a. Motiv8 in 1994, which eventually peaked at #37 UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Simmons</span> American musician (born 1948)

Patrick Simmons is an American musician best known as a founding member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers, with whom he was inducted as into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, he has been the only consistent member of the band throughout their tenure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takin' It to the Streets (song)</span> 1976 single by The Doobie Brothers

"Takin' It to the Streets" is a song by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers from the album of the same name. It was their first single with Michael McDonald on vocals and was written by McDonald.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dependin' on You</span> 1979 single by The Doobie Brothers

"Dependin' on You" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons that was first released by the Doobie Brothers on their 1978 album Minute by Minute. It was also released as the third single from the album. It has subsequently been released on live and compilation albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It Keeps You Runnin'</span> 1976 song by the Doobie Brothers

"It Keeps You Runnin'" is a song by the American rock band The Doobie Brothers. The song was written by band member Michael McDonald, and served as the third single from their sixth studio album Takin' It to the Streets (1976). It was also covered by Carly Simon the same year and released as the lead single from her sixth studio album Another Passenger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockin' Down the Highway</span> 1972 song by the Doobie Brothers

"Rockin' Down the Highway" is a song written by Tom Johnston that was first released by the American rock band the Doobie Brothers on their second studio album Toulouse Street (1972). It was also released as the B-side to the album's second single "Jesus Is Just Alright" on November 15, 1972.

References

  1. 1 2 "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. August 21, 1976. p. 60. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  2. ↑ O'Driscoll, Pat (April 25, 1976). "Discovery". Nevada State Journal. p. 41. Retrieved 2020-07-13– via newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ Robertson, J. Greg (May 2, 1976). "Doobie Sixth Shows Growth". Hartford Courant. p. 22F. Retrieved 2020-07-13– via newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ Guo, David (November 18, 1976). "Doobie Brothers Still Big Here". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 15. Retrieved 2020-07-13– via newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Anderson, Terry (May 11, 1976). "Doobie's Latest". The Daily Journal. p. 9. Retrieved 2020-07-13– via newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Eder, Bruce. "Takin' It to the Streets". Allmusic. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  7. 1 2 3 Epting, Chris (April 7, 2020). "Who Sang the Most Doobie Brothers' Songs? Lead Vocal Totals". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  8. ↑ "40 Years Ago: Michael McDonald Makes Doobie Brothers Debut With 'Takin' It To The Streets'". Society of Rock. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  9. ↑ "The Doobie Brothers Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  10. ↑ Pond, Steve (May 30, 1976). "Pop Album Briefs". Los Angeles Times. p. 66. Retrieved 2020-07-13– via newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ Kay, Brian. "Top 10 Doobie Brothers Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  12. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers". Allmusic. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  13. ↑ "Saturday's TV Highlights". Chicago Tribune. July 24, 1976. p. 9. Retrieved 2020-07-13– via newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ Giles, Jeff and Wardlaw, Matt (19 March 2016). "How Doobie Brothers Redefined Their Sound on 'Takin' It to the Streets'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2020-08-07.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.