🏆 Category 1: The Early Years (1970–1975)
1️⃣ What city did The Doobie Brothers form in?
A. New York City 🗽
B. San Francisco 🌉
C. San Jose 🌼
D. Los Angeles 🌴
✅ C. San Jose 🌼
👉 Explanation: The band started in San Jose, California, in 1970, when local musicians came together to jam and perform in small clubs.
5️⃣ Which song features a gospel-like sound and strong harmonies?
A. “Rockin’ Down the Highway” 🛣️
B. “Jesus Is Just Alright” ✝️
C. “Long Train Runnin’” 🚂
D. “Minute by Minute” ⏰
✅ B. “Jesus Is Just Alright” ✝️
👉 Explanation: “Jesus Is Just Alright” showcases their vocal blend and gospel-rock energy.
9️⃣ Which U.S. state is most closely tied to the band’s identity?
A. Texas 🤠
B. California 🌴
C. New York 🗽
D. Georgia 🍑
✅ B. California 🌴
👉 Explanation: Their laid-back, sunny sound reflects the California lifestyle and 1970s culture.
13️⃣ Which member plays violin, guitar, and sings?
A. Tom Johnston 🎤
B. John McFee 🎻
C. Michael McDonald 🎹
D. Patrick Simmons 🎸
✅ B. John McFee 🎻
👉 Explanation: John McFee is a multi-instrumentalist who adds a country flavor to their sound.
2️⃣ What style best describes their early music?
A. Country 🎻
B. Rock with soul and folk influences 🎸
C. Jazz 🎷
D. Punk 🤘
✅ B. Rock with soul and folk influences 🎸
👉 Explanation: Their early sound blended rock, soul, and folk, giving them a unique California vibe.
6️⃣ Which song’s lyrics include “Keep on rollin’”?
A. “Takin’ It to the Streets” 🚗
B. “Black Water” 💧
C. “What a Fool Believes” 🎹
D. “China Grove” 🐲
✅ B. “Black Water” 💧
👉 Explanation: “Black Water” was inspired by New Orleans sounds and became their first No. 1 hit in 1974.
🔟 What famous venue did they play for Tiny Desk Concert in 2025?
A. NPR Headquarters 🎧
B. The Troubadour 🎶
C. Madison Square Garden 🏟️
D. The Fillmore 🎤
✅ A. NPR Headquarters 🎧
👉 Explanation: The Tiny Desk Concert is a small, intimate performance series held at NPR’s offices in Washington, D.C.
14️⃣ Which member helped write “Black Water”?
A. Patrick Simmons 🎶
B. Michael McDonald 🎹
C. Tom Johnston 🎸
D. John McFee 🎻
✅ A. Patrick Simmons 🎶
👉 Explanation: Patrick Simmons wrote and sang “Black Water,” one of the band’s signature tunes.
3️⃣ Which founding member was known for his rhythmic guitar playing?
A. Patrick Simmons 🎵
B. Michael McDonald 🎹
C. Tom Johnston
🎸
D. John McFee 🎻
✅ C. Tom Johnston
👉 Explanation: Tom Johnston helped create the band’s driving rhythm and energetic guitar riffs.
7️⃣ Who joined the band and brought a smooth, soulful sound in the late 1970s?
A. Tom Johnston 🎸
B. Michael McDonald 🎤
C. Patrick Simmons 🎶
D. Jeff Baxter 🎺
✅ B. Michael McDonald 🎤
👉 Explanation: Michael McDonald’s deep, soulful voice reshaped their sound toward blue-eyed soul.
11️⃣ What kind of guitars are often used by The Doobie Brothers?
A. Electric and acoustic 🎸
B. Only bass 🎵
C. Both electric and acoustic guitars 🎸🎶
D. Only 12-string guitars 🎼
✅ C. Both electric and acoustic guitars 🎸🎶
👉 Explanation: They layer electric and acoustic guitars to get their rich, full sound.
15️⃣ In what year were The Doobie Brothers inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
A. 2015 🏅
B. 2020 🏆
C. 2020 🎉
D. 2023 🎤
✅ C. 2020
👉 Explanation: They were inducted in 2020, honoring their long influence on American rock.
4️⃣ The Doobie Brothers’ first big hit was:
A. “Listen to the Music” 🎧
B. “What a Fool Believes” 🎶
C. “Black Water” 💧
D. “China Grove” 🐉
✅ A. “Listen to the Music” 🎧
👉 Explanation: “Listen to the Music” (1972) put them on the map with its feel-good, singalong chorus.
8️⃣ Which song won a Grammy Award in 1979?
A. “What a Fool Believes” 🏆
B. “Minute by Minute” ⏰
C. “Long Train Runnin’” 🚂
D. “Takin’ It to the Streets” 🚙
✅ A. “What a Fool Believes” 🏆
👉 Explanation: “What a Fool Believes” won Record of the Year and became a defining pop hit.
12️⃣ What does the word “Doobie” refer to?
A. A slang word for a marijuana cigarette 🚬
B. A guitar type 🎸
C. A nickname for a drum 🥁
D. A California beach 🏖️
✅ A. A slang word for a marijuana cigarette 🚬
👉 Explanation: “Doobie” was a slang word at the time, and the band joked about using it as their name—then it stuck!
16️⃣ How did the 2025 Tiny Desk Concert show the band’s legacy?
A. It featured only new songs 🎧
B. It showed their lasting musical energy and harmonies 🔥
C. It introduced new members 🆕
D. It was a farewell concert 😢
✅ B. It showed their lasting musical energy and harmonies 🔥
👉 Explanation: The concert highlighted their energy, harmonies, and connection to fans, even after 50 years! 🎵