John Moore, a columnist for TheCountryWriter.com, has been strumming the guitar since he was eight years old. His musical journey has been significantly shaped by the Doobie Brothers, a band that has left an indelible mark on his life. Moore recalls the moment he first heard the infectious opening riff of ‘China Grove’ on his AM radio, a song that fueled his determination to master the guitar.

Growing up in Southwest Arkansas, Moore’s passion for music led him to form a garage band with friends during his teenage years. The band practiced regularly at his house, where they played rock standards and eventually learned ‘China Grove.’ This song, in particular, held a special place in Moore’s heart.

At 17, Moore began working as a radio DJ at his local station, KMLA, and later at KTFS in Texarkana. One of his favorite on-air moments was playing ‘China Grove’ for listeners, a testament to his enduring love for the Doobie Brothers.

Moore’s connection to the band deepened when he attended their farewell tour concert in Dallas at the now-demolished Reunion Arena. The highlight of the concert was, unsurprisingly, ‘China Grove.’ Although life took him away from music for a while, Moore eventually returned to playing guitar with friends, always ensuring ‘China Grove’ was part of their jam sessions.

Recently, Moore had the opportunity to see the Doobie Brothers perform again, thanks to a thoughtful gesture from his boss. The concert, held in a local venue, was a nostalgic experience, bringing back memories of his youth and reigniting his passion for music.

Moore’s story is a testament to the power of music to shape lives and create lasting memories. His journey with the Doobie Brothers is a reminder of the joy and inspiration that music can bring to our lives.

Original reporting: Wylie News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.