When illness forced Johnston out of The Doobie Brothers, what Steely Dan alumnus took his place?
Also in 1974, Steely Dan co-lead guitarist Jeff Baxter (nicknamed “Skunk”) learned that his band was abruptly retiring from the road. In need of a gig, he segued into the Doobie Brothers as third lead guitarist in the midst of their current tour. He had previously worked with the band in the studio, having added pedal steel guitar to both Captain (“South City Midnight Lady”) and Vices (“Black Water”). During this period and for several subsequent tours, the Doobies were often supported onstage by Stax Records legends The Memphis Horns. Live recordings of the era reflect a high energy, eminently danceable funk sound that was only occasionally heard in their studio output. [edit] Michael McDonald years By the end of 1974, Johnston’s health was suffering from the rigors of the road. He was absent when the band gamely performed in formal wear on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve that December. By then, Stampede had been completed for release in 1975. It featured yet another hit single, J
