Listen with Hoopla: The Doobie Brothers New Album Is a Reunion with Michael McDonald 

The Doobie Brothers new album is here—and it’s a doozy! For the first time since 1980, Michael McDonald rejoins the legendary band on a full-length project. The album, Walk This Road, drops June 6 and will be available on Hoopla for library patrons to stream or download for free, unlimited, for seven days after borrowing. 

The Doobie Brothers’ legacy spans generations, but with a fresh 2025 release and a literary tie-in from McDonald himself, fans can explore their music, stories, and even related movies on Hoopla.  

Let’s connect the dots with a “Five Degrees of Separation” journey through music, memoir, and media—all available on Hoopla. 

1. The Doobie Brothers Are Back—With Michael McDonald 

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band known for their rich harmonies, genre-blending sound, and enduring influence. Members of the Doobie Brothers have included Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John McFee, and of course, Michael McDonald—who helped shape the band’s soulful sound in the late ’70s. 

With the Doobie Brothers new album in 2025, Walk This Road, McDonald brings his distinctive voice back to the lineup. It’s a reunion fans have waited over 40 years for. 

2. “What a Fool Believes” Then and Now 

The Doobie Brothers’ classic hit, “What a Fool Believes,” co-written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, won the 1980 Grammy for Song of the Year. The smooth, poignant track remains one of the band’s most beloved. 

It’s fitting that McDonald named his 2024 autobiography after the song. What a Fool Believes was co-written with McDonald’s longtime friend (and bestselling author), actor Paul Reiser. 

3. Read or Listen: McDonald’s Memoir on Hoopla 

McDonald’s memoir, What a Fool Believes, is available as both an ebook and audiobook (read by McDonald and Reiser!) on Hoopla. His memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of life in the spotlight—from touring with The Doobie Brothers to his collaborations with Steely Dan and beyond. 

Library patrons can borrow the book with no waiting lists, diving deeper into the emotional and creative journey behind the Doobie Brothers discography. 

4. Paul Reiser Connects the Dots with a Movie—and Hoopla! 

Paul Reiser, co-author of McDonald’s memoir, stars in the 2024 film The Problem With People, now streaming on Hoopla. Get behind the scenes of the film by watching our live Q&A with Reiser and Hoopla’s Chris Schmidbauer. The two go into depth about Reiser’s long and influential career, which spans five decades in Hollywood.  

Reiser’s bond with McDonald adds another thread in our web of connections—linking rock legends, memoirs, and cinema. 

5. Experience It All on Hoopla 

Start with the new Doobie Brothers album, move on to Michael McDonald’s What a Fool Believes, host a watch party for The Problem with People, and revisit our Q&A with Paul Reiser—Hoopla is the thread that connects them all! And with Hoopla and your library card, it’s all free, with no holds, no waiting. 

*Titles may vary by library.

FAQs: 

Who are The Doobie Brothers? 

The Doobie Brothers are a Grammy-winning American rock band formed in 1970 and known for hits like “Listen to the Music” and “What a Fool Believes.” 

Where are The Doobie Brothers from? 

The band originated in San Jose, California. 

Who wrote “What a Fool Believes”? 

The hit song was co-written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, and it became one of The Doobie Brothers biggest successes. 

Ready to explore the world of The Doobie Brothers? 

Start your journey with Walk This Road on June 6—and check out Michael McDonald’s memoir and watch The Problem with People. Your library card and Hoopla open the door to this full-circle experience.