# In 1975, The Doobie Brothers covered a Motown classic. Its songwriter called it his favourite version

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1975-the-doobie-brothers-covered-a-motown-classic-its-songwriter-called-it-his-favourite-version/
- Published: 2026-11-12T15:00:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T15:23:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1975-motown-hit-covered-by-the-doobie-brothers/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

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