The Doobie Brothers roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven style includes their No. 1 singles Black Water (1974) andWhat a Fool Believes (1979) Jesus Is Just All Right, Rockin’ Down the Highway, Long Train Runnin, China Grove, Take Me In Your Arms, Minute by Minute and many more great hits over the years.

In 2011, the band began a new chapter of their career when they filmed a CMT Crossroads special with country superstar Luke Bryan, and appeared for the first time ever on the Grand Ole Opry. That story continues with the release of their new album Southbound (2014) and their appearance on the 2014 CMA awards, where they performed Listen To the Music and Takin it to the Streets with long-time band member, Michael McDonald.

“Southbound mixes the reverence of a tribute album with the back-and-forth collaboration of a duets record, as the Doobies share vocals and trade instrumental duties on 12 new recordings of their own hits. “Country has changed since the days of Hank Williams,” Johnston tells Rolling Stone Country. “It’s taken on a rock tinge.”

Pat Simmons Jr. is a multi-instrumentalist from Maui, whose music is a teapot of activism and simple teachings; invoking Aloha spirit, awareness and peace. Pat uses his music to express his messages about living in balance with the environment and creating peace and love in this life. Pat plays many different musical instruments, including Djembe, Didgeridoo, wooden and steel flute, but mostly plays guitar, and the very first instrument he learned to play, the Ukuele. He has had the unique experience of growing up on tour with his father’s band The Doobie Brothers.