Michael McDonald (singer)

Michael McDonald is an American "blue-eyed soul" singer, known for his trademark husky tenor voice.

Related Topics:
American - Blue-eyed soul

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Born on February 12, 1952 in Saint Louis, Missouri, McDonald played in several local bands while attending McCluer High School. He moved to Los Angeles in 1970, and first gained wide attention as an adjunct member of the group Steely Dan, providing back-up vocals and keyboards. In 1976, McDonald was recruited by The Doobie Brothers to replace outgoing lead singer Tom Johnston, though he continued to do background vocals for the Dan up to its 1980 Gaucho release.

Related Topics:
February 12 - 1952 - Saint Louis, Missouri - 1970 - Steely Dan - 1976 - The Doobie Brothers - Tom Johnston - Gaucho

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As a member of the Doobies he recorded some of his most memorable songs, such as "Takin' It To The Streets", "Little Darling", "Minute By Minute" and "What A Fool Believes" (which earned him a 1980 Grammy Award for Song of the Year).

Related Topics:
1980 - Grammy Award for Song of the Year

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After the Doobies' first farewell tour, McDonald continued with a very successful solo career. Among his hits:

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• "I Keep Forgettin'" (a duet with his sister Maureen, later sampled in 1993 by Warren G)
• "Sweet Freedom" (the theme to the MGM film Running Scared)
• "Take It To Heart"
• "Yah Mo B There", a duet with James Ingram which won a 1985 Grammy for Best R&B Song by a Group or Duet
• "On My Own", a 1986 duet with Patti Labelle which reached #1 on the US charts

McDonald has produced and/or appeared on albums recorded by many other artists, including his singer wife Amy Holland. He is also a co-founder of the small record label ATO Records.

Related Topics:
Amy Holland - ATO Records

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McDonald reunited with the Doobies several times since their initial break-up, but he continues his solo career with a series of tribute albums to the Motown sound. The best example of this is his 2003 Motown Records album Motown which earned McDonald two Grammy nominations. He also sang "Eyes of a Child" (written by Trey Parker), the ending credits song for the 1999 animated film '.

Related Topics:
Motown sound - 2003 - Trey Parker - 1999

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A videotaped concert of the artist was recently used as a running joke in the 2005 film The 40 Year-Old Virgin.

Related Topics:
2005 - The 40 Year-Old Virgin

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