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In 1975, The Doobie Brothers covered a Motown classic. Its songwriter called it his favourite version
The Doobie Brothers released their version of Holland-Dozier-Holland’s ‘Take Me in Your Arms’ in 1975, bringing the Motown song to a wider audience. The recording showed how a rock band could embrace Motown’s polished soul sound while retaining the edge of its own guitars.
Tom Johnston had been urging the band to record the song since around 1972, having loved it since the 1960s. The original was recorded by Kim Weston, whose version became an R&B hit in 1965, and the Isley Brothers also covered it in 1967. With Motown arranger Paul Riser adding strings and backing singers joining the band, the Doobies’ version reached the US top 20; songwriter Lamont Dozier reportedly called it his favourite version.
In short
- The Doobie Brothers’ 1975 cover reached the US top 20.
- Tom Johnston had lobbied for the recording since around 1972.
- Motown arranger Paul Riser contributed strings to the track.
Explained simply
Holland-Dozier-Holland was a songwriting and production team whose songs helped shape Motown, the Detroit record label known for polished soul music. “Take Me in Your Arms” was first recorded by Motown singer Kim Weston and became an R&B hit in 1965; the Isley Brothers later recorded their own version.
The Doobie Brothers were an American rock band, and guitarist Tom Johnston had wanted them to record the song for several years. Their version combined the band’s guitars with strings arranged by Motown’s Paul Riser and backing singers, showing how a song could cross between soul and rock audiences.