Patrick Simmons

Who is Patrick Simmons?

Patrick Simmons is an American musician best known as a member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers. His fingerstyle guitar playing complements the strumming style of Tom Johnston. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, he has been the band's only consistent member throughout their tenure. Simmons wrote many songs for the Doobie Brothers, including "South City Midnight Lady", "Dependin' On You", "Echoes of Love", and "Black Water," the group's first #1 record.

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. It yielded his only top 40 hit, "So Wrong", which peaked at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. 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 1998, Simmons released a second solo album entitled Take Me to the Highway.