Quick Facts
Biography
Patrick Simmons (born October 19, 1948) 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 only perpetual member of the band 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 disbanded 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 titled Take Me to the Highway.
Personal life
Simmons was raised in San Jose, California, where his father was a high school educator. He attended San José State University and lived for many years in Santa Cruz County, California. In 1981 he opened a vintage motorcycle shop with author William J. Craddock. Simmons moved to Mendocino County, California in 1990 after the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, and later to Hawaii. He met his wife Cristine in 1989 in Sturgis, South Dakota at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They both enjoy riding antique motorcycles, participating in the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Ride. They participated in the 2016 Motorcycle Cannonball, riding from Atlantic City, New Jersey to San Diego, California.
Discography
With the Doobie Brothers
Solo albums
- 1983: Arcade
- 1995: Take Me to the Highway
Solo singles
- 1983: "So Wrong"