Michael McDonald (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael McDonald
McDonald performing live in 2019
Background information
Born	(1952-02-12) February 12, 1952 (age 73) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Genres	Blue-eyed soul R&B pop rock soft rock
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter record producer
Instruments	Vocals keyboards
Years active	1973–present
Labels	Warner Bros. Reprise Ramp Universal Music Group Motown

Michael H. McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, and keyboard player. He is famous for his special, soulful voice. Michael McDonald was a backing singer for the band Steely Dan from 1975 to 1980. He also became the lead singer for the Doobie Brothers at different times, from 1975 to 1982, in 1987, and again from 2019 until now.

McDonald wrote and sang many popular songs with the Doobie Brothers. These include hits like "What a Fool Believes" and "Takin' It to the Streets." He also sang backup for many other artists. Some of these artists are Toto, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins. Michael McDonald has released nine solo albums and many singles. His 1982 hit "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" is one of his most well-known solo songs. He has won five Grammy Awards. In 2020, he joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Michael McDonald was born on February 12, 1952. He grew up in a Catholic Irish American family in Ferguson, Missouri. This town is near St. Louis. He went to McCluer High School. During this time, he played in several local bands. Some of these bands were Mike and the Majestics and The Guild.

He was discovered while playing with a band called Blue. In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles. He wanted to start a music career there.

Joining The Doobie Brothers

McDonald with the Doobie Brothers, 1976

In April 1975, Michael McDonald joined the Doobie Brothers. He first joined as a temporary singer. The band's lead singer, Tom Johnston, was sick during a tour. McDonald's singing was a big success with the band. So, they asked him to stay as a full-time member.

As a Doobie Brothers member, McDonald sang lead on many famous songs. These include "Takin' It to the Streets" and "Minute by Minute." He also sang "What a Fool Believes." This song became a number-one hit in the U.S. and won him a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1980. He wrote this song with Kenny Loggins.

During this time, McDonald also worked as a singer and keyboardist for other artists. He worked with Christopher Cross, Bonnie Raitt, and the band Toto. He also co-wrote "You Belong to Me" with Carly Simon. This song appeared on the Doobie Brothers' album Livin' on the Fault Line (1977).

McDonald has joined the Doobie Brothers again many times. This happened after the band first broke up in 1982. In 2014, he reunited with them to record a new album. It featured their greatest hits. The album was called Southbound. It was released on November 4, 2014. On this album, McDonald sang with other artists. He sang "What a Fool Believes" with Sara Evans.

In November 2014, McDonald and the Doobie Brothers performed at the Country Music Association Awards. They celebrated the release of Southbound. They sang "Listen to the Music" with Hunter Hayes and Jennifer Nettles.

Michael McDonald's Solo Career

After the Doobie Brothers' first farewell tour, McDonald started his solo career. His first solo album, If That's What It Takes, came out in 1982. It included the hit song "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)".

He kept working with other musicians. McDonald helped write Van Halen's hit song "I'll Wait". This song was on their best-selling album 1984. His duet with James Ingram, "Yah Mo B There", won a Grammy Award in 1984. In 1985, he released his second album, No Lookin' Back.

In 1986, McDonald had another big hit with "Sweet Freedom." This song was on the soundtrack for the movie Running Scared. It was his last top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He also had a number-one hit in 1986 with "On My Own." This was a duet with Patti LaBelle. He also sang backup on the Wang Chung song "A Fool and His Money."

In 1990, McDonald released his third album, Take It to Heart. The next year, he joined the New York Rock and Soul Revue. This group was started by Donald Fagen from Steely Dan. In 1991, he released "Ever Changing Times," a duet with Aretha Franklin.

In 1999, McDonald sang "Eyes of a Child" for the South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut movie soundtrack. He also sang backup on the Warren Brothers' song "Better Man."

2000 to Today

McDonald performing in 2011

In 2003, McDonald received two Grammy nominations for his album Motown. This album was a tribute to the classic Motown sound. A year later, he released Motown Two. Music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine said the album had "highly polished, expertly performed interpretations of gems from the Motown vaults."

In 2000, McDonald started his own music label called Ramp. He did this with Chris Pelonis and actor Jeff Bridges. On May 11, 2003, McDonald was honored by the St. Louis Walk of Fame. He recorded a duet with Ray Charles on Charles' last album, Genius Loves Company (2004).

In 2008, McDonald released his album Soul Speak. It included new songs he wrote and covers of famous songs. These included songs by Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. In 2009, he sang "Storm Before the Calm" with the West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir.

In December 2009, McDonald performed in Santa Barbara, California. He played for a large crowd to support Keep the Beat. This group helps music education. He performed with student choirs and a brass section.

In 2009, McDonald appeared on the TV show 30 Rock. He sang the national anthem at the 2010 Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. In 2010, he sang "Takin' It to the Streets" on the American Idol finale.

In 2010, McDonald formed a new group called the Dukes of September. He teamed up again with Donald Fagen and Boz Scaggs. The group performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in 2012. They also played at Lincoln Center, which was shown on PBS.

In 2013, McDonald had a disagreement about music royalties. He settled the issue out of court with Warner Music. In 2014, he toured the U.S. with the band Toto. In 2018, he sang on the song "What the World Needs Now" for Barbra Streisand's album Walls. In 2021, he was featured on "The Best of Me" by Toad the Wet Sprocket. In 2024, he provided background vocals for "No Lie" on Lalah Hathaway's album.

Personal Life

Michael McDonald has been married to singer Amy Holland since 1983. They have two children together. In the late 1990s, he moved with his family to Santa Barbara, California. Later, they lived in Nashville.

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)

Awards and Honors

Michael McDonald has won many awards for his music. He has received five Grammy Awards.

In May 2011, Michael McDonald received an Honorary Doctorate of Music. This award came from Berklee College of Music.

Images for kids

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  McDonald performing live in 2019

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  McDonald with the Doobie Brothers, 1976

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  McDonald performing in 2011

See also

In Spanish: Michael McDonald (cantante) para niños