Wheels of Fortune (song)
"Wheels of Fortune" | ||||
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Warner Bros. | ||||
Songwriter(s) | Patrick Simmons Jeff Baxter John Hartman | |||
Producer(s) | Ted Templeman | |||
The Doobie Brothers singles chronology | ||||
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"Wheels of Fortune" is a song written by
Lyrics and Music
According to
Nevada State Journal critic Pat O'Driscoll found "Wheels of Fortune" to be generally in the typical Doobie Brothers' style, with "layers of strumming
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
The Doobie Brothers played "Wheels of Fortune" on Dinah! on July 24, 1976.[13]
Personnel
The Doobie Brothers
- Patrick Simmons – rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals
- Tom Johnston – co-lead vocals
- Jeff "Skunk" Baxter – lead guitar[14]
- Michael McDonald – electric piano, backing vocals
- Tiran Porter – bass, backing vocals
- John Hartman – drums
- Keith Knudsen – backing vocals
Additional personnel
- The Memphis Horns – horns
- Richie Hayward – drums
- Ted Templeman – percussion
References
- ^ a b "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. August 21, 1976. p. 60. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ O'Driscoll, Pat (April 25, 1976). "Discovery". Nevada State Journal. p. 41. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Robertson, J. Greg (May 2, 1976). "Doobie Sixth Shows Growth". Hartford Courant. p. 22F. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Guo, David (November 18, 1976). "Doobie Brothers Still Big Here". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 15. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Anderson, Terry (May 11, 1976). "Doobie's Latest". The Daily Journal. p. 9. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Eder, Bruce. "Takin' It to the Streets". Allmusic. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ a b c Epting, Chris (April 7, 2020). "Who Sang the Most Doobie Brothers' Songs? Lead Vocal Totals". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ "40 Years Ago: Michael McDonald Makes Doobie Brothers Debut With 'Takin' It To The Streets'". Society of Rock. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ "The Doobie Brothers Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ Pond, Steve (May 30, 1976). "Pop Album Briefs". Los Angeles Times. p. 66. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Kay, Brian. "Top 10 Doobie Brothers Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers". Allmusic. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
- ^ "Saturday's TV Highlights". Chicago Tribune. July 24, 1976. p. 9. Retrieved 2020-07-13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ 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.
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