HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAT SIMMONS! Born Patrick Simmons on October 19th 1948 in Aberdeen, Washington. He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, musician best known as a member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers. His fingerstyle guitar playing complements the strumming style of Tom Johnston. He has been the only perpetual member of the band throughout their tenure. Simmons was raised in San Jose, California, where his mother and father were high school educators. By the age of eight, Pat had discovered the guitar. With the help of an eight year old neighbor he was able to learn the basics of chording and accompanying himself as he sang. He continued to play all through elementary school and by the age of thirteen he was in his first rock and roll band. Later on in high school he also sang in the choir. Pat’s first professional gig, at age fifteen, was at the Brass Knocker Coffee House in Saratoga, California. He played folk, blues and traditional music along with some original tunes. He continued to play a circuit of small coffee houses, bars, restaurants and clubs by himself and with various bands around the San Francisco Bay Area while finishing high school. In 1967, Pat enrolled at San Jose State College where he pursued a degree in Psychology. He alternated his studies with performances on most weekends. It was during one of these performances in 1969 at the Gaslighter Theater in Campbell, California that Pat first met Tom Johnston and John Hartman, who were at the time playing in a band with former Moby Grape member and mutual friend Skip Spence. The three musicians, introduced by Skip, began a relationship that would last for over twenty-five years. At the time Pat was playing in a band called Scratch with future Doobie bass player Tiran Porter and violinist Mike Mindel. A short time later, when Scratch broke up, Pat accepted an invitation to join with Tom, John and bass player Dave Shogren to form a new band and the Doobie Brothers were born. Pat lists some of his musical influences as Chet Atkins, Rev. Gary Davis, Mike Bloomfield, B.B. King, Doc Watson, the Moby Grape, Jorma Kaukonen, the Byrds, the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Simmons wrote many songs for the Doobie Brothers, including South City Midnight Lady, Dependin On You, Echoes of Love, and Black Water, the groups first No1 single. The Doobie Brothers initially broke up in 1982, largely on account of Simmons 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. 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. In 1981 Pat opened a vintage motorcycle shop with author William J. Craddock. Simmons moved to Hawaii after the Loma Prieta earthquake. In 1998, Simmons released a second solo album entitled Take Me to the Highway. Pat loves spending time with his wife Cris and his three children Lindsey, Josh and Patrick Jr. He and Cris are avid motorcyle enthusiasts. Both love to ride their Harleys and enjoy attending motorcycle events and collecting motorcycle memorabilia. They also enjoy horseback riding and surfing. The Doobie Brothers who reformed in the mid 80s still make well received albums and tour for their many fans, frequently. Heres Pat singing, the beautiful, South City Midnight Lady..... Enjoy!
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:24:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015