Michael McDonald, an American singer-songwriter, gained recognition as the lead singer and keyboardist for the rock group, the Doobie Brothers. His soulful and melodious voice made him a popular figure on rock radio.
After his time with the Doobie Brothers, McDonald continued to have a successful career as a solo artist, collaborating with others and contributing to movie soundtracks.
Early Life
Michael McDonald was born in Ferguson, Missouri, a town near St. Louis, on February 12, 1952. He went to McCluer High School and was part of various bands, including Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, and The Guild.
He caught the eye of the music industry while performing with his band Blue, and in 1970, he relocated to Los Angeles to follow his passion for music.
Michael McDonald’s Professional Journey
In 1974, McDonald joined Steely Dan’s touring group as a lead vocalist and supporting singer. He was among the numerous additional members who worked in the studio with the band, and he lent his backing vocals to songs on their 1975 album “Katy Lied.”
After that, he was featured in two more albums – “The Royal Scam” in 1976 and “Aja” in 1977 – where he played as a keyboardist for certain songs.
He remained a supporting singer for the band until their 1980 album “Gaucho.” In 2006, Michael joined Steely Dan for their summer tour, performing both as an opening act and as a member of the band.
In 1975, Michael McDonald joined the rock group The Doobie Brothers after being recruited by them. He was brought in as a temporary substitute for their lead singer, Tom Johnston, who had fallen ill while on tour. However, McDonald’s contributions were so impressive that he was ultimately offered a permanent position in the band.
Michael was the main singer for several of the band’s most famous songs, including popular tracks like “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Real Love,” “Little Darling,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute by Minute,” and “What a Fool Believes,” which reached the top spot on the U.S. charts.
Simultaneously, he served as a session singer and pianist for numerous well-known musicians of the era, such as Kenny Loggins, Toto, and Bonnie Raitt. During this period, McDonald collaborated with Carly Simon to write the hit track “You Belong to Me”.
Following their initial disbandment in 1982, Michael McDonald later rejoined The Doobie Brothers as a guest musician on multiple occasions after their reconciliation. In 2010, McDonald contributed to the band’s 13th studio album, “World Gone Crazy.”
In November 2014, the 14th studio album of the Doobies’ 40-year career, titled “SouthBound”, was released, featuring his appearance on their greatest hits. This occurred after his collaboration with the band in March 2014.
Following the Doobie Brothers’ initial farewell tour, Michael McDonald began his own solo journey in the early 1980s, releasing his debut album “If That’s What It Takes.” The record included popular tracks such as “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” and “I Gotta Try.”
He also maintained partnerships with fellow musicians during this time, notably co-writing Van Halen’s successful single “I’ll Wait” in 1984.
In 1985, his second studio album, “No Lookin’ Back,” was launched. It was the first time in his solo career that he had co-produced and either co-written or written all the songs. One of the songs, “No Lookin’ Back,” was a small success and was co-written with Kenny Loggins.
Although the album “No Lookin’ Back” had not gained much attention by 1986, McDonald achieved great success with the release of his single “Sweet Freedom.”
Personal Life
Since 1983, Michael McDonald and his wife Amy Holland have been happily married. Together, they have two children: Dylan, born in 1987, and Scarlett, born in 1991. The couple currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
Net Worth
With a net worth of $50 million, Michael McDonald is a renowned American singer and songwriter. He is most famous for his involvement in the groups The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan and has also achieved great success as a solo artist. McDonald has been honored with five Grammy Awards.
