Michael H. McDonald(born February 12, 1952) is an American singer, keyboardist and songwriter known for his distinctive,soulfulvoice and as a member ofSteely Dan(1973–1974), andthe Doobie Brothers(1975–1982, 1987, 2019–present). McDonald wrote and sang several hit singles with the Doobie Brothers, including "What a Fool Believes","Minute by Minute",and"Takin' It to the Streets."McDonald has also performed as a prominent backing vocalist on numerous recordings by artists includingSteely Dan,Toto,Christopher Cross,andKenny Loggins.
Michael McDonald | |
|---|---|
 McDonald performing live in 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | February 12, 1952 St. Louis,Missouri,U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Labels | |
| Member of | The Doobie Brothers |
| Formerly of | |
| Website | michaelmcdonald |
McDonald's solo career consists of nine studio albums and a number of singles, including the 1982 hit "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)".During his career, McDonald has collaborated with a number of other artists, includingJames Ingram,David Cassidy,Van Halen,Patti LaBelle,Twinkie Clark,Lee Ritenour,The Winans,Aretha Franklin,Toto,Grizzly Bear,[2]Joni Mitchell,andThundercat.[3]He has also recorded for television and film soundtracks.
McDonald is the recipient of fiveGrammy Awards,[4]and was inducted into theRock and Roll Hall of Fameas a member of the Doobie Brothers in 2020.[5]
Early years
editMcDonald was born on February 12, 1952, into anIrish Catholic,Irish Americanfamily inFerguson, Missouri,[6]a suburb ofSt. Louis.McDonald attendedMcCluer High School,[7]where he played in local bands, including Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, the Reeb-Toors/Younger Brothers and the Guild. In 1970, while playing with a band called Blue, he was discovered in anIllinoisnight club byRCAstaff producer Rick Jarrard, who offered him a record contract and brought him toLos Angeles.[8][9][10][11]
Steely Dan
editMcDonald became a member ofSteely Dan's touring band in 1973, singing lead and backing vocals. As he recalled in a 2016 interview:
I literally threw my piano in the back of my Pinto and drove down to where they were rehearsing and auditioned. Remarkably I got the gig, not because of my keyboard playing but because I could sing all the high parts. I could tell that appealed to Donald (Fagen)—'cause I could sing like a girl.[9]
McDonald became one of the many in-studio adjunct members of the band, providing backing vocals on tracks for 1975'sKaty Lied.[12]He appeared on subsequent Steely Dan recordings, including 1976'sThe Royal Scam,[13]and 1977'sAja.[14]He also played keyboards on some Steely Dan tracks.[15][16]
McDonald continued to provide backing vocals for Steely Dan through their 1980 release,Gaucho.[17]In 2006, he rejoined Steely Dan on the band's summer tour, both as the opening act and as part of the band.[18]
The Doobie Brothers
edit
McDonald was recruited bythe Doobie Brothersin April 1975, initially as a temporary replacement for their lead vocalistTom Johnstonafter he became ill during a national tour. McDonald's work with the band proved successful so they decided to retain him as a full-time member.[19]
As a member of the Doobie Brothers, McDonald sang lead vocals on some of the band's best-known songs, such as "Real Love","Takin' It to the Streets","Little Darling (I Need You)","It Keeps You Runnin'","Minute by Minute",and"What a Fool Believes"(which became a number-one single in the U.S. and earned him a 1980Grammy Award for Song of the Yearalong with co-writerKenny Loggins).
At the same time, McDonald appeared as a session vocalist and keyboardist for various artists, includingChristopher Cross,Stephen Bishop,Jack Jones,Bonnie Raitt,the bandToto,and Kenny Loggins. McDonald co-wrote "You Belong to Me"withCarly Simon,which is on the Doobie Brothers' studio albumLivin' on the Fault Line(1977).[20]
McDonald has reunited as a guest performer with the Doobie Brothers several times since the band's initial dissolution in 1982.[18]He reteamed with them for the track "Don't Say Goodbye" on the band's thirteenth studio album,World Gone Crazy(2010).[21]In March 2014, he reunited with the band to record a new album featuring the greatest hits of their 40-plus-year career. This project was completed in conjunction withSony Music Nashville.On the album, McDonald shares lead vocals withSara Evansfor "What a Fool Believes", the duoLove and Theftfor "Takin' It to the Streets", andAmanda Sudano-Ramirezfor "You Belong to Me." The album titledSouthboundwas released on November 4, 2014, as the Doobie Brothers' fourteenth studio album.
On November 5, 2014, McDonald and the Doobie Brothers were featured musical guests on the 47th annualCountry Music Association Awardsto celebrate the release ofSouthbound.They were joined byHunter Hayes,Jennifer Nettles,andHillary Scottin their performance of "Listen to the Music".At the end of the awards ceremony, they were also joined by hostBrad Paisleyfor "Takin' It to the Streets".
Solo career
editAfter the Doobie Brothers' first farewell tour, McDonald released his first solo studio album,If That's What It Takes,in 1982, on theWarner Bros.label.[22]The album featured the hit singles "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)"and" I Gotta Try ", the latter co-written with Kenny Loggins, who also recorded it that same year for his fourth albumHigh Adventure.
He continued to collaborate with other artists during this period. McDonald co-wroteVan Halen's top-20 hit "I'll Wait",from their biggest-selling album1984."Yah Mo B There",a duet withJames Ingram,won the27th Annual GrammyforBest R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[23]In 1985, he released his second studio albumNo Lookin' Back,his first time co-producing an album. He also wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks and featured a minor hit with thetitle track,cowritten by Kenny Loggins. By June 1986, the album had met with little success, but McDonald then had a huge boost with the release of the single "Sweet Freedom",which appeared on the soundtrack to theBilly CrystalandGregory HinesfilmRunning Scared,and was McDonald's last top-10 hit on theBillboardHot 100 chart. TheNo Lookin' Backalbum was then re-released in some markets with the new hit single included, as well as a few songs remixed. The single "On My Own",a duet withPatti LaBelle,reached number one on the U.S. charts in 1986. Mid that year, he performed as a backing vocalist on the rock band Toto's studio albumFahrenheit,appearing on the hit single "I'll Be Over You"and its accompanying video. On August 22, 1986, McDonald appeared in an episode ofThe Young and the Restless.[24][25]Later that year, he provided backing vocals on theWang Chungsong "A Fool and His Money" from their studio albumMosaic.In 1987, McDonald did a featured collaboration, titled "Love Has No Color",withgospelquartetthe Winansfrom their studio albumDecisions.
In 1990, McDonald released his third studio album,Take It to Heart,which featured a minor hit with the title track, co-written byDiane Warren.The following year, he joinedthe New York Rock and Soul Revue,[26]put together by Steely Dan's lead vocalistDonald Fagenand featuring other artists such asBoz ScaggsandPhoebe Snow.In 1991, he released the single "Ever Changing Times", a duet withAretha Franklin.
In 1999, McDonald recorded the song "Eyes of a Child", a comedic ballad written byTrey Parker,for theSouth Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncutsoundtrack. It was also used at the ending credits for the movie. The same year, he sang backing vocals onthe Warren Brothers' single "Better Man",from their studio albumBeautiful Day in the Cold Cruel World.[27]He also provided lead vocals for one of three studio tracks onChicago XXVI: Live in Concert.
2000–present
edit
In 2003, McDonald earned two Grammy nominations for his sixth studio albumMotown,a tribute to theMotownsound. A year later,Motown Twowas released. Music criticStephen Thomas Erlewinestated, "The album follows the same blueprint as the first record, offering highly polished, professionally produced, expertly performed interpretations of gems from the Motown vaults."[28]
In 2000, McDonald, along with partners Chris Pelonis and actorJeff Bridges,founded the independent recording label Ramp. On May 11, 2003, McDonald was inducted into theSt. Louis Walk of Fame.[29]McDonald recorded a duet withRay Charleson Charles' final studio albumGenius Loves Company(2004). In 2007, McDonald helped judge the sixth annual Independent Music Awards.[30]In 2006, McDonald sang as a guest singer in the jazz quartetFourplayfrom the studio albumX,in a cover ofSteve Winwood's song "My Love's Leavin'".[31]
In 2008, McDonald released his studio albumSoul Speak,which includes three new songs penned by McDonald, and covers of songs originally made famous byDionne Warwick( "Walk On By"),Stevie Wonder( "Living for the City"),Van Morrison( "Into the Mystic"),Tyrone Davis( "Baby Can I Change My Mind" ), and others.[32]In 2009, McDonald along with theWest Angeles COGICMass Choir, released the song "Storm Before the Calm" on the compilation albumOh Happy Day.[33]McDonald also contributed an alternate lead vocal track for the 7-inch single "While You Wait for the Others",by theindie rockbandGrizzly Bear.[34]
In December 2009, McDonald donated his performance to Keep the Beat inSanta Barbara, California,where he played to a capacity crowd at the newly renovated Granada Theater. Harry Rabin, producer and head of Keep the Beat, an initiative of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, produced the show, including two video productions, and worked with student choral groups from primary and secondary schools as well as a brass section so they could perform in the show with McDonald and his band.[35]
In 2009, McDonald appeared on the satirical television sitcom30 Rockas one of the benefit singers in the season finale episode "Kidney Now!".[36]McDonald performed the national anthem before theTostitos Fiesta Bowlbetween theBoise State BroncosandTCU Horned Frogsat theUniversity of Phoenix Stadiumon January 4, 2010, inGlendale, Arizona.[37]McDonald sang "Takin' It to the Streets" on theAmerican Idolseason nine finale,in 2010.[38]
In 2010, McDonald teamed up again with Donald Fagen and Boz Scaggs, to formthe Dukes of September.In June 2012, thesupergroupperformed onLate Night with Jimmy Fallonto promote their tour. The group also played atLincoln Center,a performance which was then broadcast as aPBSspecial and later released on DVD.
In 2013, McDonald settled a $500,000 breach-of-contract suit (out of court) with Warner Music over underpayment of royalties of online sales.[39]In the summer of 2014, he co-headlined a U.S. tour with the rock bandToto.[40]In 2017, McDonald was featured together withKenny LogginsonThundercat's single "Show You the Way", included on the latter's albumDrunk.[41]In June 2017, McDonald, Loggins and Thundercat performed the song together onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[42]
In 2018, he appeared as a guest vocalist on the song "What the World Needs Now" onBarbra Streisand's thirty-sixth studio albumWalls.[citation needed]In 2021, McDonald was featured on "The Best of Me", fromToad the Wet Sprocket's seventh studio album,Starting Now.[43]In 2024, McDonald contributed background vocals to "No Lie" onLalah Hathaway's album,VANTABLACK.[44]
Personal life
editMcDonald has been married to singerAmy Hollandsince 1983. They have two children. He moved with his family toSanta Barbara, California,in the late 1990s, and later lived inNashville.[45]
Discography
edit- Solo studio albums
- If That's What It Takes(1982)
- No Lookin' Back(1985)
- Take It to Heart(1990)
- Blink of an Eye(1993)
- Blue Obsession(2000)
- In the Spirit: A Christmas Album(2001)
- Motown(2003)
- Motown Two(2004)
- Through the Many Winters, A Christmas Album(2005)
- Soul Speak(2008)
- This Christmas(2009)
- Wide Open(2017)
Touring band members
edit- Michael McDonald – lead vocals, piano, rhythm guitar
- Bernie Chiaravalle– lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
- Pat Coil – keyboards
- Mark Douthit – saxophone, keyboards
- Jacob Lowery – bass guitar, harmonica, backing vocals
- Dan Needham – drums
- Drea Rheneé – backing and co-lead vocals,tambourine
- Amy Holland– vocals
Awards and honors
edit| Grammy Awards | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
| 1979 | Record of the Year | "What a Fool Believes"(The Doobie Brothers) | Won |
| 1979 | Song of the Year | "What a Fool Believes" (co-written withKenny Loggins) | Won |
| 1979 | "Minute by Minute"(co-written withLester Abrams) | Nominated | |
| 1979 | Album of the Year | Minute by Minute(The Doobie Brothers) | Nominated |
| 1979 | Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus | "Minute by Minute" (The Doobie Brothers) | Won |
| 1979 | Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocals | "What a Fool Believes" | Won |
| 1982 | Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male | "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" | Nominated |
| 1984 | Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | "Yah Mo B There"(withJames Ingram) | Won |
| 1984 | Best R&B Song | "Yah Mo B There" (with James Ingram,Rod Temperton,andQuincy Jones) | Nominated |
| 1986 | Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male | "Sweet Freedom" | Nominated |
| 1986 | Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group | "On My Own" (withPatti LaBelle) | Nominated |
| 2003 | Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male | "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" | Nominated |
| 2003 | Best Pop Vocal Album | Motown | Nominated |
In May 2011, Michael McDonald was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music fromBerklee College of Music.[46]
Books
edit- McDonald, Michael;Reiser, Paul(May 21, 2024).What a Fool Believes: A Memoir.New York: Del Street Books.ISBN9780063357563.OCLC1395422413.
References
edit- ^Harvey, Eric (June 25, 2014)."How Michael McDonald, The Affable Captain Of Yacht Rock, Lost His Voice".Deadspin.RetrievedApril 19,2021.
- ^Breihan, Tom (September 2009)."Michael McDonald Spills About Working with Grizzly Bear".Pitchfork.RetrievedSeptember 1,2009.
- ^"Michael McDonald Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedMarch 19,2016.
- ^"Michael McDonald | Artist | GRAMMY".grammy.RetrievedAugust 16,2024.
- ^"The Doobie Brothers".Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.RetrievedJanuary 15,2020.
- ^Odam, Matthew."From Missouri to Motown: Michael McDonald discusses his life in music".Statesman.RetrievedDecember 1,2018.
- ^"Michael McDonald – Missouri Legends".RetrievedSeptember 12,2020.
- ^"Michael McDonald".Call and Post.May 15, 1976. p. 8A.ProQuest184526216.
In 1970 he was discovered while performing in an Illinois night spot by a record producer, who put him under contract and flew him to L.A. There, he recorded an album of his songs for RCA Records. It was never released. Nor was a subsequent album recorded for Bell Records.
- ^abFlans, Robyn (September 2, 2016)."Michael McDonald takes Westlake stage; Five-time Grammy winner to perform at Blue Sun fest".Ventura County Star.p. 53. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^Sutherland, Sam (January 1981)."Michael McDonald".Musician.p. 50. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^"New Radio Action and Billboard Pick Singles: Pop".Billboard.May 20, 1972. p. 58. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^"Katy Lied – Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedJune 3,2015.
- ^"Royal Scam – Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedJune 3,2015.
- ^"Aja – Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedJune 3,2015.
- ^"Citizen Steel Dan – Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedJune 3,2015.
- ^"The Steely Dan song that defeated Michael McDonald".faroutmagazine.co.uk.October 13, 2023.RetrievedAugust 16,2024.
- ^"Gaucho – Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedJune 3,2015.
- ^ab"Steely Dan website: Tour '06".Archived fromthe originalon June 17, 2008.RetrievedAugust 16,2008.
- ^"How The Doobie Brothers brought in Michael McDonald".faroutmagazine.co.uk.May 11, 2023.RetrievedAugust 16,2024.
- ^"Michael McDonald: Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedFebruary 12,2016.
- ^"World Gone Crazy Overview".AllMusic.RetrievedSeptember 30,2010.
- ^Giles, Jeff (February 12, 2015)."Top 15 Michael McDonald Songs".RetrievedFebruary 12,2016.
- ^"– Grammy winners".Grammy. February 8, 2009.RetrievedApril 12,2010.
- ^Goldstein, Patrick (August 17, 1986)."Pop Eye".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedNovember 14,2017.
- ^Reichardt, Nancy M (August 23, 1986). "What Happened Last Week On Your Favorite Soaps".Chicago Tribune.
The Young and the Restless: Lauren, Traci, Danny and guest Michael McDonald gave a successful concert to benefit unwed teenage mothers.
- ^McKeough, Kevin (September 12, 2010)."Fagan, McDonald and Scaggs roast a collection of rock and soul chestnuts".RetrievedFebruary 12,2016.
- ^The Warren Brothers (1998).Beautiful Day in the Cold Cruel World(CD insert). BNA Records. 67678.
- ^"Motown Two – Michael McDonald".AllMusic.
- ^"Michael McDonald".Stlouiswalkoffame.org.RetrievedSeptember 6,2024.
- ^"Independent Music Awards – 6th Annual Judges".Archived fromthe originalon October 5, 2009.
- ^"X - Fourplay - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic".AllMusic.RetrievedSeptember 16,2017.
- ^"Michael McDonald interview by Pete Lewis,Blues & Soul,April 2008 ".Bluesandsoul.RetrievedOctober 22,2011.
- ^"Jon Bon Jovi, Queen Latifah go gospel for" Day "".Reuters. March 27, 2009.
- ^"Michael McDonald Sings on New Grizzly Bear Single".Pitchfork. August 31, 2009.RetrievedApril 12,2010.
- ^"Santa Barbara Education Foundation".Sbefoundation.org.RetrievedApril 12,2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^"'30 Rock' 'Kidney Now!' Song Inspires 'We Are The World' Nostalgia ".MTV. May 15, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon October 29, 2009.RetrievedApril 12,2010.
- ^"Michael McDonald in Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - TCU v Boise State".Zimbio.
- ^"'American Idol' Crowns A Winner: The Live Blog ".MTV News.Archived fromthe originalon December 24, 2015.
- ^Bobby Allyn (July 15, 2013)."Singer Michael McDonald reaches online music deal".USA Today.RetrievedJanuary 27,2014.
- ^"Tour Page".Archived fromthe originalon March 27, 2014.RetrievedMarch 19,2016.
- ^"Listen to" Show You the Way "[ft. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins] by Thundercat".Pitchfork.
- ^"Thundercat Performs 'Show You The Way' with With Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald on 'Tonight Show': Watch".Billboard.June 6, 2017. Archived fromthe originalon September 17, 2021.
- ^"Toad the Wet Sprocket Are One Again, 'Starting Now'".American Songwriter.September 14, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 27,2021.
- ^Mitchell, Gail."Lalah Hathaway Returns With New Album & National Tour".billboard.Penske Media Corporation.RetrievedSeptember 26,2024.
- ^"PBS Bio".PBS. Archived fromthe originalon January 9, 2011.RetrievedOctober 13,2013.
- ^"Berklee to Present Honorary Doctorate of Music Degrees".JazzTimes.RetrievedSeptember 16,2017.
External links
edit