Listen To The Music on The Midnight Special A Defining Early Performance by The Doobie Brothers
On March 16, 1973 the Doobie Brothers brought one of their most enduring hits to national television audiences with a live performance of Listen To The Music on The Midnight Special, a late night variety show broadcast by NBC that highlighted popular rock, pop, soul, and folk acts of the era. The performance, now available through official video archives, offers a rare and compelling look at the band just as they were solidifying their place in the early seventies rock landscape.
Originally released as a single from their second studio album Toulouse Street in July 1972, Listen To The Music became the Doobie Brothers’ first major hit. Written by guitarist and vocalist Tom Johnston, the song reflected a hopeful, optimistic worldview rooted in a belief that music could bring people together and uplift the spirit. Upon release, it reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot One Hundred chart, helping the album gain broader recognition and firmly establishing the group as a rising force in American rock music.
On The Midnight Special, Listen To The Music showcased the Doobie Brothers at a point when they were gaining widespread attention outside traditional concert venues. The television program was known for presenting live performances by contemporary artists to a national audience, often including a mix of established stars and new talent. The March 1973 episode featured not only the Doobie Brothers but also performers spanning different genres, reflecting the inclusive musical spirit of the show.
The band’s performance of Listen To The Music on this program captured both the energy of their live stage presence and the song’s upbeat, rhythmic appeal. Tom Johnston’s vocal delivery stayed true to the studio version, while the harmonized guitars and rhythmic interplay highlighted the ensemble’s tight musicianship. The track’s blend of rock and melodic sensibility resonated with viewers, contributing to its enduring popularity in the decades that followed.
More than just a performance from a classic television show, this appearance on The Midnight Special represents a moment when the Doobie Brothers were emerging into mainstream consciousness. Listen To The Music remains a staple of classic rock radio and is frequently cited as one of the band’s signature songs. Its message of hope and unity, set against an infectious groove, continues to connect with audiences across generations.
This live television moment stands as an important historical document of early seventies rock, capturing a band on the ascent and a song that would go on to define their career. It remains both a testament to the Doobie Brothers’ influence and a snapshot of a vibrant era in popular music.