Tom Johnston (US musician)

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Tom Johnston
Born	August 15, 1948
Genre(s)	Rock
Affiliation(s)	The Doobie Brothers
Notable guitars	Gibson Explorer Gibson SG
Years active	1970 - present

Tom Johnston (b. August 15, 1948, Visalia, California) is a U.S. musician. He is a guitarist and vocalist, and co-founded The Doobie Brothers with John Hartman, Patrick Simmons and Dave Shogren in 1970.

Johnston wrote and sang many of the band's early hits, including "Listen to the Music," "Rockin' Down the Highway," "China Grove," and "Long Train Runnin'." He also sang the hit song "Take Me in Your Arms" (written by Holland-Dozier-Holland). Johnston's gritty voice and distinctive guitar style, combining rhythmic strumming and towering solos, constituted the band's original trademark sound. He also possessed dynamic energy and stage presence, serving as the focal point of the group's live performances.

Following years of touring and a generally unhealthy lifestyle, Johnston became severely ill and was hospitalized on the eve of a major tour in 1975 to promote Stampede. Johnston's illness led to the emergency hiring of Michael McDonald, who almost immediately took over the band that Johnston had co-founded. After a few years of restored health but diminished influence in the group, Johnston finally left in 1977 to pursue a solo career that netted two albums: Everything You've Heard Is True and Still Feels Good (reissued on compact disc by Wounded Bird Records).

Johnston joined the Doobie Brothers when they reunited en masse for a brief tour in 1987 to benefit Vietnam veterans. This event led to the permanent reformation of the band, with Johnston again taking the helm alongside co-founder Simmons. Johnston co-wrote, sang and contributed a signature guitar solo to the group's last major chart hit, "The Doctor" (from 1989's Cycles).