The core of what would become the Doobie Brothers came together around 1970, when guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren joined forces with drummer John Hartman and guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston. They toured the San Jose area, morphing into the acclaimed rock act they are today. They released their self-titled debut in 1971 and headed on their first national tour shortly thereafter. The Doobie Brothers' greatest success came during the height of the 1970s, when they released their classic 1973 album The Captain and Me, which included hits like "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove." The Doobie Brothers' sound changed to incorporate more soft-rock and soul influences during the Michael McDonald years, and the group continued releasing material to great success, cementing their place in the pantheon of popular 1970s acts. The Doobie Brothers' legacy puts them in league with contemporary groups like The Eagles, Journey and Fleetwood Mac and has seem them share the stage with other performers as diverse as Steely Dan and Earth, Wind & Fire.